Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i [has officially accepted his nomination as the new leader of the Jubilee Party], marking a major political shift within Kenya’s opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 General Election.
[The transition occurred on Tuesday, September 22], during a Jubilee Party leadership gathering in Nairobi, where outgoing party leader and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta [announced his decision to step down from executive management]. The handover complies with Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act [which restricts retired heads of state from holding active executive positions in political parties beyond six months post-tenure]. Addressing party delegates, [Kenyatta endorsed Matiang’i—who previously served as deputy party leader—to oversee operations on an interim basis] pending the upcoming National Delegates Conference (NDC).
“Your Excellency, with humility, I accept the appointment to oversee the Jubilee Party as the party leader” [Matiang’i said during the handover ceremony]. “We will do our best to ensure Jubilee stays on the path that the former president put it on.”
Taking to social media platform X shortly after the event, [Matiang’i publicly reiterated his acceptance], expressing gratitude to the outgoing party leader for his guidance and leadership over the years. Meanwhile, [Kenyatta clarified that while he is relinquishing formal administrative titles], he will remain an active party member [and transition into a senior advisory role to guide the new leadership team]
“Mimi niende, nichukue hiyo ingine ya juu, niwe kama hapo senior advisor” [Kenyatta told supporters], reassuring members that he would maintain an active presence within the political organization.
Matiang’i’s elevation positions him at the forefront of Jubilee’s political reorganization as opposition factions build momentum. The former Cabinet Secretary announced plans to conduct nationwide grassroots consultations [to strengthen party structures and engage like-minded political partners]