Uhuru to Handover Jubilee Chairmanship as High Court Clears Path

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta is set to pave the way for the handover of the Jubilee Party chairmanship following a High Court ruling upholding Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act.

In a statement on Tuesday, September 15, the Office of the former President said the ruling provided legal clarity on the transition of retired presidents from formal political party leadership.

Uhuru welcomed the decision, saying it should not be interpreted as a restriction on his political activities but as a reflection of Kenya’s democratic maturity.

"Uhuru Kenyatta has received this ruling in a spirit of profound respect for the judiciary. He notes that the court’s ruling is not a restriction on his political life; it is a reaffirmation of our democratic maturity. 

"The 4th President of the Republic of Kenya acknowledges that leadership is not the chair one occupies; it is the trust one cultivates," the statement read.

The Office also addressed the long-delayed process of transferring the Jubilee chairmanship, explaining that the delay had been linked to an internal dispute that required legal determination.

"In regard to the long-delayed handover of the Party chairmanship, the Office clarifies that this process was not stalled by reluctance, but by a contested internal dispute that required legal clarity. With the court’s guidance, that path is now clear," the statement added.

The former President said he was ready to facilitate the completion of the handover in accordance with the law and the party’s governing framework.

"The former President affirms his absolute willingness to see the handover completed openly, lawfully, and in strict accordance with the Party’s constitution. He looks forward to the Party’s processes moving forward without hindrance," the statement further read.

The Office said Uhuru viewed the court decision as an opportunity for Jubilee to enter a new phase under a new generation of leadership.

"Uhuru Kenyatta welcomes this new chapter for Jubilee, built on the rule of law, guided by the Party's constitution, and carried forward by the next generation of leadership," the statement concluded.

This comes weeks after Jubilee Party sought to clarify the political context surrounding developments in Nairobi after some individuals announced their departure from the party. 

In a statement on Wednesday, August 26, the party said the move should not be interpreted as a mass exit of its members or supporters.

It argued that some of those who announced their departure had already been suspended from the party over alleged misconduct and concerns surrounding the management of party processes.

"Yesterday's developments in Nairobi, including the announcement by some individuals of their departure from Jubilee Party, should be understood in their proper political context.

"Our Party respects the constitutional right of every Kenyan to make their own choice to join or support a political party of their choice. However, it is also important to put "defected" from Jubilee Party. These individuals were suspended by the Party several months ago following serious concerns regarding misconduct, mismanagement of processes," the statement read.

The party said it had received complaints over alleged attempts to solicit money from aspirants, describing such conduct as inconsistent with its leadership principles and standards.

"The Party also received complaints and concerns regarding attempts to solicit money from aspirants, conduct that is fundamentally inconsistent with Jubilee's principles, values and standards of leadership," the statement added.

Jubilee said the disciplinary measures were intended to safeguard the integrity of the party and its internal democratic processes, rather than being acts of retaliation.

"Such practices have no place in retaliation, but are necessary steps to protect the integrity of the Party, its members, its structures and the democratic processes through which aspirants and leaders must be treated fairly. Their subsequent political choices should therefore be understood against this background," the statement further read.

The party also disputed the characterization of the developments as sudden defections, saying some of the individuals had already demonstrated political positions that differed from those of Jubilee.

"It is equally important to point out that what has been presented by some as a sudden "defection" is, in many cases, simply the formalization of political positions that have been evident for some time. There are individuals who, despite holding positions or securing elective office under the Jubilee collective decisions," the statement noted.