Former President and Jubilee Party leader Uhuru Kenyatta addressed delegates at the party’s National Delegates Conference (NDC) at Ngong Racecourse, Nairobi, highlighting the need for a democratic process in determining the party’s future within the Azimio la Umoja coalition.

Uhuru emphasised that the decision to remain in or exit the coalition would rest with the party’s delegates and new leadership.

“The party, as per the decision of our organs, remains a member of what is left of this coalition, and any decision of whether to re-invest in it, will be a decision for the party’s new leadership to take when the time comes, lakini sasa tuko mahali tulikua, mimi sio mtu wa kupiga kona,” he said, stressing a collective and considered approach rather than unilateral action.

Also watch: Uhuru Kenyatta received by Fred Matiang’i at Jubilee NDC

Preparing for the next elections

Uhuru outlined Jubilee’s preparations for the upcoming general elections, emphasising strategic planning and inclusivity. “Like any other political party, we shall be preparing for the next general elections with earnestness, and it remains our firm intention to field the best possible candidates for all elective positions,” he said.

He added that the party would weigh its options carefully, noting, “We shall do it on our own or we shall do this in consent with like-minded coalitions,” signaling flexibility in alliances to strengthen electoral prospects.

Reflecting on the 2022 elections, Uhuru expressed disappointment, saying the party’s message was lost amid “insults, character assassinations, myths, and stories of hustlers and dynasties.” He also lamented the erosion of achievements from his administration, citing programs that sought to reduce ethnic tension and social inequalities.

Unity and democratic process

Throughout his address, Uhuru underscored unity and purpose, cautioning against bitterness.

“Leadership can never be led by bitterness and anger; that only deviates you from your mission and vision. Wenye wantaka kuendelea na chuki, waendelee, sisi hatuna chuki na mtu,” he said.

He thanked loyal party members, lawyers, and Kenyans who supported Jubilee, stating, “I wish to take this opportunity to thank all loyal party members, the many lawyers, and Kenyans of goodwill who have ensured that once again we are able to meet and restart our journey forward.”

Concluding his remarks, Kenyatta stressed a truly democratic path forward for Jubilee.

“It is my hope that from today we shall see the beginning of a truly democratic process, because it is the people who will decide, sio watu wachache kujifungia pahali, ni members wa chama ambao watachukua hatua na decision ya kutuelezea mwelekeo wa chama utakua mgani.”

Delegates are now tasked with charting the party’s future, which will determine Jubilee’s role in Kenyan politics leading up to the 2027 general elections.