Explosive Political Comeback: Former President Uhuru Kenyatta Officially Reinstated as Jubilee Party Leader, Setting Stage for 2027 Election Showdown

In a dramatic turn of events that has sent ripples through Kenya’s political landscape, former President Uhuru Kenyatta has been officially reinstated as the leader of the Jubilee Party. This decisive move, confirmed by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) through a gazette notice, conclusively ends a prolonged leadership battle within the party and reasserts Uhuru’s dominance ahead of the crucial 2027 General Election13. 

The leadership dispute had pitted Uhuru Kenyatta’s loyalists against a rival faction led by nominated MP Sabina Chege and East African Legislative Assembly MP Kanini Kega.  

The opposing group had claimed to have ousted Uhuru’s allies through internal party processes, briefly gaining control after a court ruling in September 2024 favored their claim. However, the recent court decision reversed this, restoring Uhuru’s full control and paving the way for the ORPP to formalize the leadership changes in the Kenya Gazette, making them legally binding. 

Key party officials confirmed in the latest gazettement include Jeremiah Kioni, who retains his role as Secretary-General, and David Murathe as Deputy National Chairperson. Notably, Kanini Kega, a central figure in the rival faction, was removed from his position as National Director in charge of elections.  

Other significant leadership changes include Beatrice Gambo replacing Jimmy Angwenyi as Deputy Party Leader (Strategy), Saitoti Torome assuming the National Chairperson role from Nelson Dzeya, and Joseph Manje taking over as Deputy Party Leader (Outreach) from Naomi Shaban. Additionally, Yassin Noor and Kados Muiruri were appointed Deputy Secretary General and Deputy Party Leader (Operations), respectively. 

These strategic appointments are widely seen as Uhuru Kenyatta consolidating his influence within Jubilee, ensuring the party machinery is firmly under his control as it gears up for the 2027 presidential race. The party is poised to unveil former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as its presidential candidate. 

Matiang’i, a powerful figure during Uhuru’s administration, enjoys the former president’s strong backing, having served in several key ministries throughout Uhuru’s decade-long rule. This move signals Jubilee’s intent to mount a robust challenge to incumbent President William Ruto. 

Since its inception, the Jubilee Party has been a major force in Kenyan politics, credited with significant achievements including infrastructural development, the Big Four agenda, and enhanced devolution that brought services closer to Kenyans. The party’s renewed unity under Uhuru’s leadership is expected to reignite its vision of peace, progress, and prosperity for all Kenyans. 

The reinstatement of Uhuru Kenyatta as Jubilee Party leader marks not just the resolution of internal party conflicts but also a critical moment in Kenya’s political narrative. As the 2027 elections approach, all eyes will be on Jubilee’s strategies and how this leadership consolidation will influence the broader political dynamics in the country. 

This political revival for Uhuru Kenyatta and Jubilee underscores the enduring influence of the former president and sets the stage for a high-stakes electoral contest that could reshape Kenya’s future.