NAIROBI, Kenya- Former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday led a major Jubilee Party delegates’ meeting in Kiambu County, where leaders used the gathering to rally the party’s grassroots base, push for internal reforms and sharply criticise the Kenya Kwanza administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The high-profile meeting held at Kiambu Golf Club brought together Jubilee delegates and senior party officials led by deputy party leader Dr Fred Matiang’i and Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni’s successor, Moitalel Ole Kenta.
Arriving at the venue to chants from supporters, Kenyatta sought to reassure party members that Jubilee remained a national political movement despite internal wrangles and sustained political pressure since the 2022 elections.
“As the leader of this party, if there is one thing I am proud of, I am proud of the fact that our party is not a party of a particular region; our party is a national party,” the former President told delegates.
The former Head of State also defended his continued involvement in Jubilee affairs amid criticism from political rivals who have accused him of refusing to retire from active politics.
“Niko hapa kujadiliana kuhusu mahali tulipo na tunakoelekea kama Jubilee. Nilikuwa naanza mpango wa kukipatia chama chetu viongozi wapya, lakini wengine walichukulia kama nafasi ya kuchafua,” the former President said.
“Wengine wanasema ninaingilia siasa, lakini kama wangeniachilia, hii kazi ningekuwa nimemaliza zamani. Nimeamua kuwa tutaendelea mpaka tutimize hiyo shughuli ya chama cha Jubilee tukiwa tumefuata sheria,” he added.
Uhuru further said one of his remaining responsibilities in the party was to ensure Jubilee conducts credible internal elections.
“Mimi nikiwa kazi amabyo nimebakisha kwa chama ni kuhakikisha ya kwamba uchaguzi amabo utafanyika ndani ya chama chetu utakuwa uchaguzi wa haki bila mapendeleo,” he said.
In an apparent response to the rising political tensions in the country, Uhuru urged leaders to focus on policies instead of divisive politics.
“I beg the government leaders, if you truly love our country, do not allow the tears to continue. If you want the good of the nation, leaders, sell policies,” he stated.
The former President also encouraged Kenyans to make independent political choices despite receiving money from politicians during campaigns.
“Kenya ni ya wote. Vote for leaders and not politicians. And when money comes, receive it since after all it is your money. But during the voting day, you know what to do,” the Jubilee Party Leader told cheering supporters.
“May God give you wisdom to vote for leaders and not politicians,” he added.
Dr Matiang’i used the gathering to praise Uhuru’s peaceful transfer of power in 2022, describing it as an act of statesmanship.
“Our party leader is retired. When we had our first meeting in 2022, you said this: ‘Mimi niko tayari kuhandover power peacefully kwa sababu Mzee Kibaki gave me a peaceful country and I’m not prepared to shed any single blood,’” Matiang’i recalled.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary also revealed that Jubilee plans to organise seminars to educate party members on the proposed Finance Bill and formulate the party’s position on contentious taxation measures.
“Mheeshimiwa Rais, kwa ruhusa yako sisi tutakuwa na mkutano na viongozi hawa. Ata hii maneno ya kuangazia Finance Bill, we will have a seminar ya chama waelewe kwamba wakati tunasema la ni kwa nini tunasema ivo na pia tutoe mapendekezo yetu,” Matiang’i said.
The strongest political attack of the day came from Jubilee Secretary General Ole Kenta, who appeared to question the credibility of the 2022 elections while warning against alleged attempts to manipulate future polls.
“Our President handed over power peacefully, and we all know that no elections were won; there was rigging. So one cannot boast and come and say that you are going to rig the next election. I can assure you it shall not happen again,” Ole Kenta said.
He also called on young people to take up leadership roles immediately.
“The youth of this country, this is your country, and your time for leading is now, not tomorrow. Let nobody tell you that you will be the leaders of tomorrow,” he stated.
Monday’s meeting underscored Jubilee’s renewed efforts to reorganise its structures and remain politically relevant amid growing opposition realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
