Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has officially handed over the leadership of the Jubilee Party to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i, marking a major transition in the party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Uhuru made the announcement on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, during a meeting with Jubilee officials in Nairobi, where he confirmed that Matiang’i would take over the leadership of the party pending formalisation of the transition through the National Delegates Convention.
“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 said.
The handover follows a High Court ruling that barred retired presidents from continuing to hold political party leadership positions beyond the prescribed period after leaving State House. Uhuru had subsequently indicated that he would comply with the ruling and facilitate a lawful transition within Jubilee.
Despite stepping aside as party leader, Uhuru said he would remain a member of Jubilee and continue serving in a senior advisory capacity.
The development places Matiang’i at the centre of Jubilee’s political leadership as the party prepares for its next phase. Matiang’i had previously served as Jubilee deputy party leader and has been identified as the party’s presidential flag bearer for the 2027 election.
The handover also comes after weeks of internal debate over who would succeed Uhuru as party leader. Jeremiah Kioni had earlier declared his interest in the position and argued that Jubilee’s National Delegates Convention should determine the party’s leadership through its established democratic procedures.
With Uhuru now handing over the leadership to Matiang’i, attention will turn to the National Delegates Convention, which is expected to formally confirm the transition and set the direction of the party ahead of the 2027 political contest.
