Uhuru agrees to hand over Jubilee chairmanship following court ruling

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has agreed to hand over the Jubilee Party chairmanship following a High Court ruling upholding a law that bars retired presidents from holding leadership positions in political parties.

Uhuru’s office said the ruling has provided the legal clarity needed to complete the long-delayed transition of the party leadership.

The office said the handover had not been delayed because of Uhuru’s reluctance, but because of a contested internal dispute that required legal clarification.

“The former President affirms his absolute willingness to see the handover completed openly, lawfully, and in strict accordance with the Party’s constitution. With the court’s guidance, that path is now clear,” his office said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Uhuru has also expressed hope that Jubilee’s internal processes will now proceed without hindrance as the party prepares for the next phase of its leadership.

The former President welcomed the court’s decision, saying he received it with profound respect for the judiciary.

His office said Uhuru views the ruling not as a restriction on his political life, but as a reaffirmation of Kenya’s 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 said.

The High Court ruling upheld Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, which provides for the transition of retired presidents from formal political party leadership.

Uhuru’s office said he welcomed a new chapter for Jubilee, built on the rule of law and guided by the party’s constitution.

The former President expressed support for the party being carried forward by the next generation of leaders.