Jeremiah Kioni declares interest in Jubilee Party leadership

Jeremiah Kioni, the Deputy Leader of the Jubilee Party, has declared his intention to run for the position of Party Leader. This move follows a High Court ruling that requires former President Uhuru Kenyatta to relinquish his leadership role in compliance with laws restricting retired presidents from holding political party offices beyond six months after leaving office.

Kioni emphasized that the transition must follow the party’s constitution and democratic traditions, specifically through an election by delegates at a National Delegates Convention (NDC) rather than through an appointed successor.

The leadership vacancy has triggered internal power struggles within the party. Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i has emerged as a key figure in the succession contest, which involves competition for control over the party’s political machinery and financial assets ahead of the 2027 General Election.