The High Court has handed former President Uhuru Kenyatta a resounding victory in a long-running leadership battle within the Jubilee Party.
After months of legal warfare and party infighting, Justice Janet Mulwa delivered a ruling on Thursday that firmly reinstates Kenyatta as the rightful leader of the once-dominant political outfit. The court also affirmed the legitimacy of the National Delegates Conference (NDC) held in May 2023, which had been marred by claims of procedural irregularities.
The ruling not only cements Kenyatta’s authority at the helm but also officially validates Jeremiah Kioni as the party’s Secretary-General and installs Saitoti Torome as the new national chairman. It’s a crushing blow to the rival faction led by former Kieni MP Kanini Kega and nominated MP Sabina Chege, whose grip on the party has now been legally dismantled.
“The Jubilee Party belongs to Uhuru Kenyatta,” declared the party in a triumphant statement following the verdict.
The court’s decision effectively nullifies all leadership changes orchestrated by the Kega-Chege axis, including the attempted ousting of key Kenyatta allies like David Murathe and Treasurer Kagwe Gichohi. Murathe, in particular, is now legally confirmed to continue as vice chairperson.
Former Chairman Nelson Dzuya testified earlier in March 2025 in favor of Kenyatta, acknowledging that the former head of state had the mandate to convene the NDC, despite procedural questions raised during the sessions.
The legal team, led by Jackson Awele and supported by Jubilee’s Internal Dispute Resolution Committee (IDRC), spearheaded the case that ultimately turned the tide in Kenyatta’s favor.
This ruling also overturns a controversial September 30, 2024 judgment that had temporarily recognized the rival faction’s authority, throwing the party into disarray and sparking nationwide speculation about Kenyatta’s political future.
Now, with the High Court’s stamp of approval, Kenyatta has not only reclaimed control of the party—he has reignited speculation about a potential political resurgence.
Could this be the beginning of Uhuru Kenyatta’s return to frontline politics?
Kenya is watching.
