The Jubilee Party has shaken the political landscape with a dramatic leadership shake-up, leaving many questioning the future of its internal cohesion. Former Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has been moved to the newly created position of Deputy Party Leader (Operations), a role widely seen as a demotion.
The changes follow a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting chaired by party leader and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, aimed at repositioning Jubilee ahead of the 2027 General Election amid growing political and economic pressures.
The move has sparked speculation about internal rivalries and power dynamics. Sources indicate Kioni’s reshuffle was designed to attract influential Mount Kenya politicians hesitant to align with UDA and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s faction.
Political analysts suggest that Kioni’s reduced influence signals a strategic recalibration by Uhuru to consolidate power and strengthen Jubilee’s grassroots structures.
The Strategic Move Behind Jeremiah Kioni’s Demotion in Jubilee Party
Kioni’s tenure as Secretary General placed him at the heart of Jubilee’s decision-making, giving him direct influence over party strategy and candidate endorsements. His demotion to Deputy Party Leader (Operations) reduces his visibility and authority, transferring operational control to a role focused on coordination and compliance rather than policy leadership.
The Jubilee Party statement emphasized the reshuffle’s strategic intent. “The NEC approved a series of resolutions aimed at enhancing party operations, restoring internal discipline, and repositioning Jubilee as a credible national alternative grounded in structure, policy, and grassroots engagement,” it read. While framed as an organisational adjustment, political insiders interpret it as a calculated sidelining of a key figure perceived as less aligned with Uhuru’s inner circle.
Kioni now oversees compliance with party processes, grassroots mobilization, and alliance-building with political and societal stakeholders. Though still influential, his new responsibilities are largely administrative, leaving the party’s strategic voice in the hands of the newly appointed Secretary General Moitalel Ole Kenta and Deputy Secretary General Zack Kinuthia.
Mount Kenya Power Brokers Influence Shake-Up
The reshuffle comes amid growing competition for Jubilee tickets among Mount Kenya politicians reluctant to join UDA. Kioni’s demotion appears to be a tactical move to open the party to these power brokers, ensuring Jubilee maintains relevance in the region. Analysts note that Uhuru’s strategy is to create a more inclusive leadership, capable of attracting influential politicians while balancing internal factions.
Findings by Nyakundi Reports indicate that Kioni has clashed with several figures close to Uhuru, further explaining his reassignment. By moving him to an operational role, the party reduces potential friction at the top while retaining his expertise in coordinating party structures and alliances. It’s a classic political balancing act: remove potential opposition from the spotlight while keeping them within the fold.
Strengthening Jubilee for 2027
Uhuru’s leadership changes come at a time when Kenya grapples with rising living costs, economic strain, and public dissatisfaction with government performance. The NEC meeting stressed the need for a disciplined and structured party ready to present a credible alternative in 2027. Jubilee’s leadership team now includes Vincent Mogaka Kimoki as Chairperson, Dan Mwangi as Executive Director, Kiembi Gitura as Director of Elections, and Peter Kados heading the MCA caucus.
By positioning Kioni as Deputy Party Leader (Operations), Jubilee leverages his experience in party coordination while signaling a broader strategy of internal reform. He is tasked with strengthening party structures, ensuring compliance with processes, and leading grassroots mobilization. This focus on organization and engagement reflects Jubilee’s attempt to rebuild credibility and regain public trust ahead of the next general election.
Observers note that the restructuring is more than a simple personnel change; it’s a deliberate repositioning of the party in response to Kenya’s shifting political terrain. By realigning leadership roles, Uhuru aims to balance factional interests, restore discipline, and project a united front capable of challenging rival parties.
Kioni’s demotion is both a symbolic and strategic move. While he retains influence over operations, his sidelining from the top leadership signals the changing dynamics within Jubilee and highlights Uhuru’s control over the party’s direction. As the 2027 elections approach, Jubilee’s ability to integrate Kioni’s expertise into a new leadership framework could determine its national relevance and electoral success.
