Uhuru to resign as Jubilee Party boss

The High Court on Monday upheld a law restricting retired Presidents from holding political party office beyond six months after leaving State House.

In a statement by his Communications Secretary Kanze Dena-Mararo, Mr Kenyatta said the ruling was a reaffirmation of the country’s democratic maturity.

He explained that his delay to handover the leadership was as a result of leadership dispute in the outfit that dragged for more than a year. Mr Kenyatta faced an attempted coup orchestrated by nominated MP Sabina Chege and East African Legislative Assemble (EALA) MP Kanini Kega.

He, however, succeeded to gain control of the former ruling party in March 2025.

“In regard to the long-delayed handover of the party chairmanship, the office clarifies that this process was not stalled by reluctance, but by a contested internal dispute that required clarity. With the court’s guidance, that path is now clear,” said the statement.

“The former President affirms his absolute willingness to see the handover completed openly, lawfully and in strict accordance with the party’s constitution. He looks forward to the party’s process moving forward without hindrance.”

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.

“A reading of Section 6 (1) is clear, as was strongly submitted by the respondents and the Interested parties, it does not forbid the retired President from being a member of a political party, what it restricts is taking up a leadership role in the political party for more than six months after retiring," Justice Mugambi stated.

The ruling means that he will also have to resign as the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Council chairperson. Mr Kenyatta has been active in the coalition’s 2027 game plan, including making major changes in its leadership and structure.

Allies of President Ruto have been criticizing him for actively participating in national politics. They have repeatedly accused him of violating the law.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for breaking news updates and more stories like this.