Former President Uhuru Kenyatta hands over Jubilee Party leadership to Fred Matiang’i on September 22, 2026. / HANDOUTPeople’s Party leader Ndindi Nyoro has congratulated Fred Matiang’i on taking over as Jubilee Party leader from former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Nyoro also thanked Uhuru for his contribution to Kenya’s politics and for what he described as his role in promoting peaceful transfer of power.
“Many thanks to President Uhuru Kenyatta for the many years he has shaped the Politics of our Country and led the way on peaceful transfer of Power,” Nyoro said.
He said peace, love, unity and harmony should guide political activities in the country, further saying that the People’s Party was associated with Jubilee and the wider opposition.
“People’s Party is proudly associated with Jubilee Party and the entire Opposition,” he said.
His remarks came after Matiang’i took over the leadership of Jubilee following Uhuru’s decision to relinquish the position.
The transition followed a High Court ruling on the ability of retired presidents to hold formal leadership positions in political parties.
On September 14, Justice Lawrence Mugambi upheld Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, which restricts retired presidents from holding office in a political party beyond six months after leaving the presidency.
Following the ruling, Uhuru agreed to hand over the Jubilee leadership, with his office saying the decision provided the legal clarity needed to complete the transition.
The transition has placed Matiang’i at the centre of Jubilee as the party prepares for its next phase and the 2027 General Election.
Nyoro and Matiang’i have already publicly indicated their willingness to work together.
On September 12, the two leaders appeared together in Murang’a, where they spoke about the need for opposition parties to cooperate despite belonging to different political formations.
Matiang’i said at the time that he was ready to work with Nyoro and other opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa.
“I am ready once again to come in and do that work so that our country can move forward properly. And when I come in, I want to come in together with my brothers. First, starting with Ndindi Nyoro,” Matiang’i said.
Matiang’i had also welcomed Nyoro's move into the opposition after the Kiharu MP left the United Democratic Alliance and took over the People’s Party.
In August, Matiang’i congratulated Nyoro on joining the People’s Party and said he looked forward to working with the new political outfit.
“Your latest decision will create more opportunities for effective political participation while enhancing our collective chances of restoring better leadership in our country,” Matiang’i said.
Nyoro concluded his message by restating the People’s Party’s continental outlook.
“We are African, and Africa is our Business,” he said.
