Uhuru Hands Jubilee Leadership to Matiang’i, Vows to Remain as Senior Adviser

 

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has handed over the leadership of the Jubilee Party to his deputy, Fred Matiang’i, as the party prepares for its National Delegates Convention (NDC) ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during the leadership handover on Tuesday, September 22, Uhuru said Matiang’i would take over as party leader on an interim basis as the party awaits the NDC.

Uhuru, however, made it clear that he is not leaving Jubilee, saying he will remain involved in the party as a senior adviser. He described Jubilee as his political home and said he would continue offering guidance to party leaders and participating in its affairs.

The transition comes after a High Court ruling concerning the law restricting retired presidents from holding formal leadership positions in political parties beyond six months after leaving office.

Uhuru also urged Jubilee to begin early preparations for the 2027 General Election, including developing its leadership structures and political strategy.

During the event, the former President also responded to President William Ruto's repeated references to his administration, questioning why the Head of State continues to invoke his name several years into his presidency.

Uhuru said Ruto was given the mandate to govern Kenya and should focus on serving Kenyans rather than continuing to blame his predecessor for challenges facing the country.

He further said political leaders sometimes look for people to blame when things do not go as expected, but Kenyans are capable of judging their leaders based on the realities they experience.