Uhuru Hands Over Jubilee Leadership to Matiang’i Ahead of NDC

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).

Uhuru announced the transition during a meeting with Jubilee officials in Nairobi on Tuesday, September 22, saying he would remain a member of the party and serve in a senior advisory capacity.

“While we wait for NDC, I have decided to let my deputy take over the party leadership. I want to ask you respectfully to accept Fred Matiang’i to take the position of Jubilee Party leader,” Uhuru stated.

The former President clarified that he was not abandoning Jubilee, maintaining that he would remain involved in the party even after stepping away from its top leadership position.

“I cannot leave Jubilee Party; I leave the party and go where? Do I have another house? Is it not this one that we built together? I want to take the top seat and be there as a senior advisor. When people come and they want to see me, I am still there, but when there is a meeting, I will be seated somewhere with you,” Uhuru said.

Uhuru Explains Matiang’i Leadership Handover

Meanwhile, Uhuru linked the change to Jubilee’s preparations for the NDC and the 2027 General Election, saying Matiang’i should assume his role as the party begins planning for the next electoral cycle.

“When I am a senior adviser, and as we wait for the NDC, I think my deputy should take my role as the party leader. Together, we can start planning for the upcoming 2027 general elections,” he said.

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Matiang’i subsequently acknowledged the development through a statement posted on his X account after receiving the leadership role.

“I accept the nomination to lead the Jubilee party with humility,” he wrote.

High Court Ruling Behind Jubilee Transition

The leadership change comes as Jubilee prepares for a transition following a High Court ruling that bars retired presidents from holding leadership positions in political parties beyond six months after leaving office.

Following the ruling, Uhuru moved to facilitate the leadership change while retaining his membership of Jubilee and taking up a senior advisory role within the party.

The upcoming NDC is expected to formalise the leadership transition as Jubilee reorganises its structures ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Also Read: Uhuru Resurfaces Days After Court Ruling on His Jubilee Seat

Uhuru Responds to Ruto’s Criticism

During the meeting, Uhuru also hit back at President William Ruto over his repeated criticism of the former administration, telling the Head of State to focus on governing the country instead of blaming him.

For Jubilee, the handover marks a shift in its leadership as Matiang’i prepares to take a more prominent role while Uhuru remains involved as a senior adviser.

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Uhuru Kenyatta, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and People’s Party of Kenya (PPK) leader Ndindi Nyoro on Friday, September 18, 2026, attends the burial of Christine Waruguru Kariuki, mother of former State House Comptroller George Kariuki, in Gikuu, Kiharu Constituency. PHOTO/Mediamax