Speaking during a meeting with Jubilee officials in Nairobi on Tuesday, September 22, Uhuru said he would remain a member of the party but step aside from its formal leadership structure.
Uhuru said he had decided to allow Matiang’i to take charge ahead of the NDC, which is expected to formalize the leadership transition and provide the former Interior Cabinet Secretary with a fresh mandate to lead the party.
“While we wait for NDC, I have decided to let my deputy take over the party leadership,” Uhuru said, urging Jubilee officials and members to support Matiang’i.
Uhuru maintained that he would remain a senior member of Jubilee and continue offering advisory services as the party moves into a new phase.
Matiang’i, who has served as Uhuru’s deputy party leader alongside Jeremiah Kioni, accepted the responsibility and pledged not to disappoint the former president.
The leadership change follows a recent court ruling that barred Uhuru from holding a party leadership position for six months after leaving office, forcing the former president to relinquish his formal role as Jubilee prepares for the next political contest.