Uhuru reclaims command of Jubilee Party after court-backed purge
The changes, announced by Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, come after a long legal and political standoff and reflect a strategic shift as the former president positions the party for the next electoral cycle.
Uhuru Kenyatta has firmly re-established his command of the Jubilee Party following a court-backed internal restructuring that ousted key figures associated with a rival faction.
The changes, announced by Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, come after a long legal and political standoff and reflect a strategic shift as the former president positions the party for the next electoral cycle.
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Kioni confirmed the revamp of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), citing decisions made during the May 2023 Special National Delegates Convention (SNDC), a subsequent court consent, and a High Court ruling.
“Following the Special National Delegates Convention of May 22, 2023, the Consent E1016 of 2023 and the court order in Case E1016 of 2016, the Jubilee Party wishes to notify the public of changes to its NEC,” he stated.
The overhaul removed individuals who had sided with a breakaway camp aligned with Kenya Kwanza, though they were not stripped of party membership. Nelson Dzuya, who previously served as National Chairman, was replaced by Saitoti Torome, a close Uhuru ally.
Nominated MP Sabina Chege and EALA MP Kanini Kega, who had briefly claimed party leadership roles, were also dropped from their positions.
Other former leaders shown the door included Jimmy Angwenyi, Naomi Shaban, Joshua Kutuny, Mutava Musyimi, Racheal Nyamai, Advise Mundalo, Joel Kibe and NEC executive director Wambui Gichuru.
The new structure retains Uhuru as the party leader and Kioni as secretary general. Beatrice Gambo takes charge of strategy as deputy party leader, Kudos Muiruri will handle outreach, and Joseph Manje will lead programmes.
David Murathe remains vice national chairman, while Yasin Noor steps in as deputy secretary general.
Kagwe Gichoni is now national treasurer, with Ruweida Mohamed as his deputy. Garissa Senator Abdulkadir Haji has been appointed national organising secretary.
New appointments also include Pauline Njoroge as deputy national organising secretary, Maison Leshomo as Women’s League national chairperson, and Angel Mbuthia as Youth League chairperson. Wanja Maina will lead the persons with disabilities wing, Njenga Mungai the council of elders, and Udgoon Siyad takes up the Parliament secretary role.
The changes are the result of a leadership dispute that began during the 2023 NDC held at Ngong Racecourse, where a restructuring decision was made.
The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal initially blocked the overhaul, but the High Court later upheld it, giving Uhuru’s camp the green light.
The court's decision followed a consent filed by Dzuya, through lawyer Jackson Awele, accepting the legitimacy of the SNDC.
The submission was backed by Jubilee’s Internal Disputes Resolution Committee, represented by lawyer Franklin Mwendani.
During court proceedings, Awele said the dispute had been concluded and the IDRC’s role was complete. He added, “The appellant is a political party funded by public funds. Prudence dictates that party resources be used to manage the party effectively, not to waste them on leadership wrangles.”
The ruling has now cleared the way for Jubilee’s new leadership to chart the party’s direction, with Fred Matiang’i emerging as a potential presidential candidate under Uhuru’s guidance.
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