Change of guard: Uhuru relinquishes Jubilee Party leadership to Matiang’i

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has handed over the leadership mantle of Jubilee Party to Dr Fred Matiang’i, pending approval by the National Delegates Convention (NDC).

The event follows deliberations at the party's National Executive Council on Tuesday.

Mr Kenyatta’s continued roles in the Jubilee Party and Azimio coalition came under renewed scrutiny after the High Court upheld a law restricting retired Presidents from holding political party office beyond six months after leaving State House.

The court dismissed a petition challenging Section 6(1) of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, ruling that the provision limits formal party leadership but does not bar retired presidents from belonging to parties or participating in political activities.

Justice Lawrence Mugambi said the restriction was a lawful safeguard against former heads of state exercising power indirectly through political proxies. The court said that the law was designed to protect democratic transitions and preserve the special status of retired Presidents.