Jubilee Party Leader Fred Matiang'i/ FILEFormer Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has accepted the leadership of the Jubilee Party from former President Uhuru Kenyatta, describing the moment as emotional and one he never expected to witness.
Matiang’i, who was Jubilee’s deputy party leader and presidential candidate, formally accepted the position during a handover meeting on Tuesday, thanking Uhuru for his service and leadership of the country and the party.
“Your Excellency, with humility, I accept the appointment to oversee the Jubilee Party as the party leader,” the former Interior CS said.
He said the transition was difficult and emotional, admitting that he had never imagined that the day would come.
“This is a difficult time, as you can imagine for me. It can be almost emotional because, frankly speaking, I never thought in my life that this moment, this day would come today,” Matiang'i said.
“Lakini Mungu anajua. God knows our ways and destiny as we go forward,” Matiang’i added.
Matiang’i then paid tribute to Uhuru, thanking him for his service to Kenya and his leadership during the years they worked together in government.
“I want to sincerely thank you, Your Excellency, for your service to our country, for your distinguished leadership,” he said.
He recalled working alongside Uhuru during several crises, including the Westgate terror attack, the DusitD2 attack, the airport fire and the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I've seen you in action throughout the time we served in government, throughout the crisis that we went through, from Westgate to DusitD2 to the airport burning down to coronavirus, to all the challenges we had,” Matiang’i said.
He said he would seek to build on the political framework established by Uhuru as the party enters a new phase.
“When we have this opportunity to continue the journey and the framework you have set, all of us, we will do our best to ensure that this stays on the path that you have placed it,” he said.
The handover follows a High Court ruling that barred retired presidents from holding formal leadership positions in political parties beyond six months after leaving office.
The court upheld Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, while maintaining that retired presidents are not barred from party membership or political participation.
Uhuru had earlier said he would remain in Jubilee as a senior adviser even after relinquishing the party leadership.
The former President said he considered Jubilee his political home and wanted to continue contributing to its affairs as the party prepares for the 2027 general election.
