By Joram Munale
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has scored a significant legal victory in the protracted battle for control of the Jubilee Party. In a landmark ruling delivered on Thursday, June 12, the High Court upheld resolutions passed during the party's National Delegates Conference (NDC) held in 2023, effectively reinstating Kenyatta as the official party leader.
The court’s decision brings to an end months of bitter factional disputes within the once-dominant political outfit, affirming the legitimacy of Kenyatta’s leadership and the NDC’s outcomes. Saitoti Torome was confirmed as the party’s new National Chairman, while Jeremiah Kioni retained his position as Secretary-General. Additionally, David Murathe was declared the bona fide Vice Chairperson of the party.
In a strong rebuke to the rival faction led by former Kieni MP Kanini Kega and nominated MP Sabina Chege, the court nullified leadership changes orchestrated by their group. The rival camp had sought to replace Kenyatta’s allies, claiming they had been ousted through internal party processes.
“The leadership changes initiated by the Kanini Kega-Sabina Chege faction have been declared unlawful,” read part of the court’s judgment. “The National Delegates Conference of 2023 remains the legally recognized decision-making body of the Jubilee Party.”
This ruling reverses a previous High Court judgment delivered on September 30, 2024, which had dismissed the recognition of Kenyatta’s leadership. That earlier decision had intensified internal wrangles, causing widespread confusion among party members and further dividing loyalties.
Supporters of the former president hailed Thursday’s verdict as a restoration of order and legitimacy within the party. Speaking after the ruling, Jeremiah Kioni described it as a "victory for democracy and party unity."
With the court’s decision now clarifying the party’s leadership structure, political observers anticipate a renewed push by Kenyatta and his team to stabilize and reposition Jubilee ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The verdict marks a new chapter for the party, which has struggled to maintain coherence and relevance following the end of Kenyatta’s presidential term in 2022.
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