Jubilee Seeks Renewal at Special NDC Attended by Uhuru, Matiang’i

Nairobi, Kenya — September 26, 2025 (EAT).

The Jubilee Party convened a Special National Delegates Conference (NDC) today at Ngong Racecourse, bringing together senior leadership and rank-and-file members in a bid to reboot the party’s structure, strategy, and unity. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta chaired the meeting, and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i was present, fueling speculation about his emerging role in Jubilee’s future direction. 

The Latest

• Uhuru’s arrival was heralded as a pivotal moment for Jubilee’s revival. He was received warmly by party officials and delegates, including former CS Matiang’i. 

• Jeremiah Kioni, Jubilee’s Secretary General, described the gathering as a “reaffirmation of unity and renewal,” pointing to past leadership fractures and the need for cohesion going forward. 

• Delegates turned out in signature Jubilee red, underscoring the symbolic element of the event. 

• The NDC is expected to set out an updated roadmap ahead of the 2027 General Election, with particular interest in whether Matiang’i will be given a more prominent leadership role. 

Context & Stakes

• Jubilee has for years been plagued by internal disputes and attempts to wrest control from its long-time leadership, especially following the 2022 elections. 

• The move to hold a special NDC signals an attempt at internal restructuring and possibly repositioning ahead of 2027, when Jubilee will need relevance and strong leadership to compete.

• Matiang’i has been viewed in certain circles as a potential new leader; his presence at this gathering adds fuel to speculation that Jubilee may be grooming him for a future role. 

Voices & Positions

• Uhuru Kenyatta (as chair): Tasked with steering the meeting, his authority and presence were meant to unify and lend legitimacy to Jubilee’s revival effort.

• Fred Matiang’i: His attendance is being interpreted by observers as a signal that he may take a more visible or strategic leadership mantle in Jubilee.

• Jeremiah Kioni: Framed the NDC as a moment to close past wounds and chart a focused path forward. 

Risks & Challenges

• Factional pushback: Rival groups within Jubilee may resist renewed centralization or new leadership arrangements, possibly triggering new legal or political battles.

• Public perception: Jubilee must overcome perceptions of irrelevance or factionalism if it hopes to bounce back at the grassroots.

• 2027 relevance: A poorly managed renewal could hamper Jubilee’s ability to influence coalitions or to field strong candidates in future elections.

What We Don’t Yet Know

• Whether the NDC will formalize a leadership transition or name Matiang’i to a specific position.

• The exact strategic reforms Jubilee will adopt (e.g. structural changes, policy focus, alliances).

• How other political parties and coalitions, including ODM, will respond to Jubilee’s repositioning.