Former President Uhuru Kenyatta is set to chair a crucial meeting of the Jubilee Party on Friday, a gathering expected to chart the party’s future after years of internal feuding.
The Special National Delegates Convention (NDC), convened in Nairobi, comes at a time when Jubilee faces pressure to redefine its identity ahead of the 2027 general election.
The party has been torn apart since 2022, when a faction led by nominated MP Sabina Chege and East African Legislative Assembly legislator Kanini Kega sought to wrest control. The bid triggered a prolonged standoff that left supporters divided and leadership in dispute.
For many delegates, all eyes are on Mr Kenyatta’s address. His speech is widely seen as a chance to restore clarity and direction. “Let the former president make it clear to us who are leading the party and in what position. You are confusing us,” one supporter wrote on social media this week.
There is also growing speculation over the role of Fred Matiang’i, the former interior minister. He recently met former Jubilee legislators during what he described as a nationwide “listening tour.” Some insiders believe he could play a part in Jubilee’s renewal, though no formal announcement has been made.
Jeremiah Kioni, the party’s secretary general, framed the talks with Dr Matiang’i as part of broader efforts to rebuild trust. “Together, we reflected on our shared journey and laid the ground for the Jubilee Party NDC this Friday,” he said in a statement. “This gathering is more than preparation; it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to unity, renewal and a politics defined by purpose. Jubilee’s story is still being written.”
The stakes are high for a party that once stood at the centre of Kenyan politics but has struggled to find its footing since leaving power. Delegates will be looking for answers not only on leadership but also on strategy — whether Jubilee will attempt to stand alone, merge with allies, or reposition itself in an increasingly crowded political field.
By the close of Friday’s meeting, members say they expect one thing above all: clarity.
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