Uhuru Kenyatta Hands Over Jubilee Party Leadership To Fred Matiang’i Ahead Of NDC

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has officially handed over the leadership of the Jubilee Party to his deputy, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, ahead of the party’s upcoming National Delegates Convention (NDC).

Addressing a meeting of Jubilee Party officials in Nairobi on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Kenyatta announced his decision to step down from the helm, confirming that he will remain a party member while transitioning into a senior advisory role.

“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,” Kenyatta stated. “I am still in Jubilee. I will be a senior member of the party and will be offering advisory services.”

Matiang’i, who has been serving as deputy party leader alongside Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, accepted the new role and pledged to build upon his predecessor’s foundation. Expressing gratitude for the endorsement, the former Cabinet Secretary assured the party chief that he would maintain the movement’s momentum ahead of the NDC, which is expected to formally ratify the leadership transition.

The handover follows a September 14 High Court ruling barring retired presidents from holding political party leadership positions beyond six months after leaving executive office. Responding to the judicial decision, Kenyatta’s office clarified that the leadership transition had previously been delayed by internal party disputes requiring legal resolution rather than a reluctance to relinquish control.

During the Tuesday session, the former head of state called on Jubilee members to put aside internal rivalries and maintain unity as the party reorganizes its political structures ahead of the 2027 General Election.