Why Uhuru removed Kioni as Jubilee Party SG

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Jubilee Party members during a meeting at Thika Green Golf Resort on November 7, 2025. [File, Standard] 

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has made changes to the Jubilee Party leadership ahead of expected opposition alliance talks that will determine the candidate to challenge President William Ruto in next year’s elections.

Uhuru, who recently cautioned the now-reassigned Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni against antagonising fellow opposition leaders, also created additional offices to give the party a more national outlook.

This comes even as Jubilee reaffirmed its position in the opposition and accused the government of neglecting issues affecting Kenyans.

In changes announced on Thursday shortly after a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, Uhuru appointed Kioni as one of four deputy party leaders and named former Narok North MP Moitalel Ole Kenta as the new Secretary General.

Deputy party leader Fred Matiang’i convened a press conference after the NEC meeting, chaired by Uhuru, to announce that Kioni will now be in charge of mobilisation and recruitment, as well as leading negotiations on behalf of the party.

Kioni has repeatedly clashed with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who leads the Democratic Citizens Party (DCP). Last year, Uhuru warned Kioni against antagonising other opposition leaders.

Analysts say Uhuru may have used the opportunity to restructure the party leadership to give it a broader national outlook by replacing Kioni — who, like Uhuru, hails from the Mt Kenya region — with ole Kenta.

“Uhuru probably wanted to bring in someone who will work well with Gachagua and other opposition leaders. Being a respected leader from the Maa community also worked in Kenta’s favour because he comes with more numbers than Kioni,” said political analyst Martin Andati.

Ole Kenta has long been an ally of Uhuru. He was first elected MP in 2013 on Uhuru’s The National Alliance (TNA) party and served two consecutive terms. After a brief stint in ODM and an unsuccessful bid for the Narok governorship in the 2022 election, he has now returned to Jubilee.

“Kioni, as our secretary general, has been a strong member and a strong voice for our party and has worked even through difficult times,” said Matiang’i. “As a result, the NEC today decided that Kioni will now assume the responsibility of deputy party leader, focusing on compliance, building our new legal services department, and enhancing our relationships with other institutions.”

Welcoming ole Kenta to his new role, Matiang’i said he brings “a wealth of experience in elective politics, strategic management and institutional governance at a critical moment when the party is strengthening its structures and positioning itself to win seats across the country and deliver the presidency in the forthcoming General Election”.

The changes also saw former Cabinet Administrative Secretary Zack Kinuthia named deputy secretary general, while Vincent Kemosi was appointed national chairman.

However, Kioni’s removal as secretary general has raised eyebrows, with some observers saying he had become a stumbling block to Uhuru’s push for a united opposition.

Last year, Uhuru publicly reprimanded Kioni over his altercations with Gachagua.

“And you, Kioni… this habit of insulting other leaders what for? I don’t want that kind of rubbish,” Uhuru said at a forum in Murang’a.

Other analysts argue the changes were primarily meant to give the party leadership a national face, noting that Uhuru already sufficiently represents the Mt Kenya region.

Leadership and governance expert Phillip Kisia described the changes as a political demotion for Kioni.

“Kioni was making utterances that were not in line with the party’s thinking, which may have prompted Uhuru to give him a less influential position,” said Kisia.

On ole Kenta, Kisia said he was the right choice because “he is seen as an independent thinker, commands respect in his region, comes with numbers, and is level-headed”.

Matiang’i, however, dismissed claims that Kioni had been demoted.

“That is not what informed the changes,” said Matiang’i. “In the coming General Election, we need an experienced hand to lead engagement with the public and community leaders. We need a face closely associated with the party, and that is why Kioni will lead that team.”

Matiang’i added that the party was still negotiating over 25 other positions, with further changes to be announced later.

Kioni said he was ready to take up his new role.

“The next assignment will not be easy, but as a party we are ready. A year ago we stood here without even a NEC, but we are now back on track. I fought for this party in court because I believe in Jubilee’s track record and what it stands for,” he said.