The Jubilee Party has held its National Executive Committee meeting, signalling a major comeback and its intention to play a political role ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta chaired the crucial meeting by video link on August 5, 2025.

The party, which once enjoyed national appeal and was cited as the most popular in Kenya, was severely impacted when the Azimio la Umoja Coalition it backed lost in the 2022 presidential contest.

Shifting allegiance

The defeat led some members, including nominated MPs Kanini Kega and Sabina Chege, to shift allegiance to the Kenya Kwanza coalition while attempting to wrest party leadership from the Uhuru camp.

But the Kega and Chege initiative was later thwarted when a court declared the Uhuru and Jeremiah Kioni team as the rightful party leaders.

Political observers view Jubilee as still commanding significant support nationwide, particularly in the Mt Kenya region.

The party has been seeking to fill the political vacuum created by Kenya Kwanza’s perceived inadequacies and unfulfilled promises.

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has been among those touted to carry the Jubilee flag in the 2027 elections, although the party has yet to publicise its political plans.

Uhuru, also Jubilee’s party leader, held the virtual meeting while other members attended physically to boost unity and reaffirm party ideals.

Internal cohesion

Organisers said the meeting aimed to strengthen internal cohesion and redefine the party’s strategic direction.

Secretary-General Kioni described the meeting as a significant step in reaffirming the party’s ideals, strategic direction, and internal unity.

“The 4th President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, and the Party Leader of the Jubilee Party, today chaired a National Executive Committee meeting in Nairobi,” Kioni said in a social media post.

“The meeting marks a significant step in reaffirming the party’s direction, unity, and renewed commitment to its founding ideals.”

According to the party, this was the first NEC meeting convened following the conclusion of court cases involving the party.

The session deliberated on key issues affecting the organisation.

Key agenda items included a comprehensive review of party affairs, an assessment of progress on ongoing programmes, and strategic plans to strengthen party structures and the grassroots operations across the country.

The leadership reaffirmed its commitment to restoring Jubilee’s central role in national political discourse and serving its members with renewed dedication.

This meeting came at a crucial time of dynamic political realignments, with the party demonstrating its commitment to its opposition role, dedication to championing people’s interests, and upholding democratic principles.

Full control

The session occurred a month after Uhuru regained full control of the party following a High Court ruling.

The Civil Division of the Milimani High Court permitted a consent filed by the party’s legal team and key respondents, successfully overturning a previous decision by the Internal Disputes Resolution Committee that had invalidated the National Delegates Convention.

“The National Executive Committee meeting and the National Delegates Convention held on April 28 and May 22, 2023 respectively be and is hereby upheld and consequently the resolutions from the [NEC] meeting and [NDC] respectively, be and are hereby upheld,” the court stated.

Officials reinstated

The court decision also reinstated Kioni and David Murathe, the deputy national chairperson, who had been forcefully removed from their positions, by nullifying all previous decisions against them.

The NEC also reaffirmed its dedication to restoring the Jubilee Party’s influence in national political discourse and emphasised its service to its members with renewed dedication.

Last week, Uhuru sparked speculation when he met President William Ruto at State House during a regional peace forum, leaving many Kenyans questioning his next political move.