Matiang’i takes over Jubilee leadership from Uhuru

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta hugs Fred Matiang’i after handing over Jubilee Party leadership at the party headquarters in Nairobi, Sept. 22, 2026.

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has accepted the leadership of the Jubilee Party, taking over from former President Uhuru Kenyatta during a leadership transition at the party’s headquarters in Nairobi.

Matiang’i, who previously served as Jubilee deputy party leader, accepted the position during a meeting of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC), describing the occasion as emotional and one he had not anticipated.

“I accept, with humility and honour, the nomination to lead the Jubilee Party,” Matiang’i said.

He thanked Kenyatta for the support and mentorship he received during his years in public service, saying the former President’s guidance had contributed significantly to his experience in leadership.

“I have learnt a great deal under your tutelage, and I thank God for the opportunity I had to serve under your leadership and to have a front-row seat to that service,” he said.

Matiang’i said he had benefited from Kenyatta’s counsel and guidance during the years he served in government.

“Throughout the many years I worked under you, I benefited immensely from your counsel, guidance and mentorship. This is, therefore, an emotional moment for me,” he said.

He said he had never imagined that he would one day assume leadership of Jubilee, adding that the development was part of the journey he believed God had prepared for him.

“Frankly speaking, I never imagined that a day and a moment such as this would come in my life. But God knows our destinies, our journeys and the paths He has prepared for each of us,” Matiang’i said.

He pledged to undertake the responsibility with humility and commitment.

“I accept this responsibility with gratitude, humility and a deep sense of duty,” he said.

Kenyatta, who has led Jubilee since its formation, said the leadership changes would enable the party to comply with the law while preparing for the next phase of its political activities.

He asked party members to support Matiang’i as he assumes the leadership, pending formal ratification by the National Delegates Convention (NDC).

“While we wait for the NDC to officially ratify these changes, I ask you respectfully to accept Dr Fred Matiang’i to take over the mantle and steer us forward,” Kenyatta said.

Kenyatta said he would remain associated with Jubilee in an advisory capacity, maintaining that the party remained his political home.

“I cannot leave Jubilee; to go where? This is my political home,” he said.

The former President also criticised the administration of President William Ruto, accusing it of repeatedly blaming his administration for challenges facing the country.

Kenyatta questioned why his administration continued to be cited several years after he left office, urging the current administration to focus on addressing issues affecting Kenyans.

“We accepted that they won. Four years later, it is still Uhuru this and Uhuru that. But when things are not working, you start blaming someone else. Kenyans are smart, they know,” he said.

Kenyatta also urged Jubilee officials to strengthen the party’s grassroots structures and prepare candidates for various elective positions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

He called for the identification of candidates for Members of County Assembly, governors, senators, Members of Parliament and the presidency.

“Let us not have internal squabbles. Let us go hunt for MCA aspirants, Governor aspirants, Senators, MPs, and we have our candidate Matiang’i. That is my request to you today,” he said.

The former President said political parties should develop structures capable of sustaining them beyond individual leaders, urging Jubilee members to work together as the party prepares for the next election.

Matiang’i’s assumption of the party leadership comes as Jubilee reorganises its structures ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The leadership changes are expected to be formally ratified at the party’s National Delegates Convention.