NAIROBI, Kenya – Newly appointed Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i has formally taken over as leader of the Jubilee Party, describing the handover from former President Uhuru Kenyatta as an emotional moment he never expected to witness.
Matiang’i, who previously served as Jubilee’s deputy party leader and was the party’s presidential candidate, accepted the leadership during a handover meeting on Tuesday.
Addressing Kenyatta, Matiang’i said he was accepting the responsibility with humility as Jubilee enters a new phase ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“Your Excellency, with humility, I accept the appointment to oversee the Jubilee Party as the party leader,” Matiang’i said.
‘I never thought this moment would come’
Matiang’i said the transition was difficult and emotional, acknowledging the significance of taking over the party from a former president he had served alongside in government.
“This is a difficult time, as you can imagine for me. It can be almost emotional because, frankly speaking, I never thought in my life that this moment, this day would come today,” he said.
He added: “Lakini Mungu anajua. God knows our ways and destiny as we go forward.”
The former Cabinet secretary said he would approach the new responsibility with a commitment to preserving the political framework established under Kenyatta.
Matiang’i thanks Uhuru for his service
Matiang’i paid tribute to Kenyatta, thanking him for his service to the country and his leadership of Jubilee.
“I want to sincerely thank you, Your Excellency, for your service to our country, for your distinguished leadership,” he said.
He recalled working with Kenyatta during some of the country’s major crises, including the Westgate terrorist attack, DusitD2 attack, the airport fire and the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I’ve seen you in action throughout the time we served in government, throughout the crisis that we went through, from Westgate to DusitD2 to the airport burning down to coronavirus, to all the challenges we had,” Matiang’i said.
He said Jubilee’s leaders would seek to build on the political structures and framework established during Kenyatta’s tenure.
“When we have this opportunity to continue the journey and the framework you have set, all of us, we will do our best to ensure that this stays on the path that you have placed it,” he said.
Uhuru hands over Jubilee leadership
The handover follows a High Court ruling concerning the continued occupation of formal political party leadership positions by retired presidents.
The court upheld Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, which restricts retired presidents from holding formal political party office beyond six months after leaving the presidency.
The ruling did not bar retired presidents from belonging to political parties or participating in political activities.
Kenyatta had earlier indicated that he was prepared to relinquish the Jubilee leadership while continuing to contribute to the party.
Uhuru to remain involved in Jubilee
Although he has relinquished the formal leadership position, Kenyatta has said he intends to remain involved in Jubilee as a senior adviser.
The former president has described Jubilee as his political home and said he would continue contributing to the party’s affairs.
His continued involvement comes as Jubilee reorganises its political structures ahead of the 2027 General Election.
