Jubilee Succession Battle Looms as Uhuru Prepares to Exit Party Leadership

By Monyonge O’kebati

Jubilee Party is heading into a new phase of internal politics as former President Uhuru Kenyatta prepares to relinquish his position as party leader, opening the way for a contest over who will take charge of the former ruling party.

The emerging succession question has gained prominence after reports that Uhuru has accepted a High Court ruling affecting the ability of retired presidents to continue holding leadership positions in political parties.

With Uhuru’s expected departure, former Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni has emerged as a potential contender for the party leadership. Kioni has publicly expressed interest in succeeding Uhuru, setting the stage for a potentially important contest over the direction and management of Jubilee ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The succession question comes against the backdrop of Jubilee’s decision to rally behind former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

Matiang’i was appointed Jubilee’s Deputy Party Leader in October 2025, with the party formally endorsing his presidential ambitions.

Kioni and Matiang’i have previously been on the same side of the presidential question. In June 2026, Kioni publicly backed Matiang’i’s presidential bid, arguing that he was a better candidate than Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

However, the question of who should occupy the party’s top leadership position is separate from the presidential candidature, creating a new political equation within Jubilee.

The party has already undergone significant restructuring. In January 2026, Kioni was moved from the Secretary-General position to Deputy Party Leader (Operations), while Moitalel Ole Kenta was appointed Secretary-General. Kioni was assigned responsibility for party operations, grassroots coordination and political engagement.

The unfolding succession debate therefore places two prominent figures associated with Jubilee’s 2027 strategy at the centre of attention: Kioni, who is seeking to succeed Uhuru as party leader, and Matiang’i, who carries the party’s presidential ticket.

The key question now is how Jubilee delegates will balance party leadership succession with the party’s presidential campaign as it prepares for the 2027 elections.

The coming party processes are likely to determine whether the transition from Uhuru’s leadership produces continuity within Jubilee or opens a fresh contest over the party’s political direction.