Uhuru to Step Down as Jubilee Party Leader Following Court Ruling

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced plans to relinquish his position as Jubilee Party leader following a recent High Court ruling.

The decision comes after Justice Lawrence Mugambi ruled on September 14 that former presidents cannot hold positions in political parties for more than six months after leaving office. However, they remain free to join parties and participate in political activities.

In a statement issued through the Communications Secretary at the Office of the 4th President, Kenyatta said he would respect the court’s decision, describing it as an affirmation of Kenya’s democratic progress.

The former president emphasised that the ruling does not prevent him from remaining politically active, noting that leadership goes beyond occupying a formal position.

Kenyatta said he was prepared to formally hand over the Jubilee Party chairmanship in accordance with the party’s constitution and expressed confidence that the transition would be smooth.

He also addressed the prolonged delay in handing over the party leadership, explaining that the process had been affected by an internal dispute that required legal clarification rather than unwillingness to relinquish the position.

With the court having provided the necessary legal direction, Kenyatta said the way was now clear for the leadership transition.

He welcomed what he described as a new chapter for Jubilee Party, anchored in the rule of law and the party’s constitution, while calling for the next generation of leaders to take responsibility.

Justice Mugambi issued the ruling after a petition alleged that Kenyatta had breached Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act.

While dismissing the petition, the judge noted that former presidents occupy a unique position in Kenya’s political landscape and can exercise considerable influence, potentially affecting fair political competition.

The court also considered the historical context in which the law was enacted in 2003, when Parliament sought to prevent former presidents from maintaining political control through their successors after leaving State House.