Matiang’i takes over Jubilee leadership as Uhuru exits party office

• The transition comes after Justice Lawrence Mugambi upheld Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, which bars retired presidents from holding office in a political party for more than six months after leaving State House. The ruling does not prevent former presidents from remaining members of political parties or participating in political activities.

Former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has taken over leadership of the Jubilee Party following the decision by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta to relinquish the position in compliance with a High Court ruling.

The transition comes after Justice Lawrence Mugambi upheld Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, which bars retired presidents from holding office in a political party for more than six months after leaving State House. The ruling does not prevent former presidents from remaining members of political parties or participating in political activities.

Matiang’i, who has been serving as Jubilee's deputy party leader, said he was ready to work with other leaders and party members as he takes on a more prominent role ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“We will work with other like-minded people. I’m ready to work with everyone aiming to make this country better,” Matiang’i said.

He thanked Kenyatta for his contribution to Jubilee's leadership and called on party members to resolve their differences internally rather than resorting to the courts.

“As a party, let’s sort out our issues internally. Let’s not go to court. But discipline is destiny. Let’s work together,” he said.

Matiang’i said he would in the coming days engage party members across the country, including grassroots leaders, as he seeks to strengthen the party’s structures.

“Jubilee was founded to promote inclusion in the politics of this country. We will do our best to ensure Jubilee stays on the path that the former president put it on,” he said.

Kenyatta, who announced his intention to step down after the court ruling, has urged Jubilee members to embrace the new leadership while maintaining that he will remain a member of the party and continue contributing within the limits of his new role.

His office had said the handover had been delayed by an internal leadership dispute requiring legal clarity, but that the court ruling had now cleared the way for the transition. Kenyatta also affirmed that the handover would be conducted in accordance with the law and Jubilee's constitution.

The leadership change comes as Jubilee prepares for a new political phase ahead of the 2027 elections, with Matiang’i among the opposition figures positioning themselves for the contest.

Matiang’i has also pledged to prioritise party unity and grassroots engagement as Jubilee navigates the transition.

The change in leadership follows renewed political criticism of Kenyatta by President William Ruto, who has accused the retired president of remaining active in opposition politics after leaving office.

During campaigns in Siaya County, Ruto questioned Kenyatta's continued involvement in opposition politics, referring to him as a “rebel leader” and arguing that a former president should instead assume the role of a statesman.

“Mimi nashangaa, mtu ambaye amekuwa Rais wa Kenya, unaacha kiti ya Rais, badala ya kwenda kuwa statesman, unaenda kuwa rebel leader, kiongozi wa upinzani. Mpaka saa hii korti inamwambia atoke,” Ruto said.

The court ruling, however, does not bar Kenyatta from political participation. It specifically restricts retired presidents from continuing to hold formal positions in political parties beyond the statutory period.