Uhuru Kenyatta Steps Down as Jubilee Party Leader After Court Ruling

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta announced on September 15, 2026, that he will step down as the leader of the Jubilee Party. The decision follows a High Court ruling by Justice Lawrence Mugambi, who upheld Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act. This law prohibits retired heads of state from holding political party leadership positions more than six months after leaving office.

The ruling came after activist Peter Agoro petitioned the court, arguing the law unfairly targeted former presidents. Justice Mugambi rejected the petition, stating that the unique influence and benefits of the presidency create a distinct constitutional category that requires such restrictions to maintain fair political competition.

Kenyatta's office described the verdict as a reaffirmation of democratic maturity and attributed the delayed transition of the party chairmanship to internal leadership disputes. Kenyatta pledged to complete the handover according to the party's constitution.

The ruling aligns with broader efforts by President William Ruto's administration to limit Kenyatta's political influence. The government has previously threatened to revoke Kenyatta's retirement benefits, alleging he engaged in partisan politics and funded opposition campaigns.