Jubilee Makes Changes to Its Top Party Leadership, Kioni Elevated

By James Murimi - Reporter

Kenya, 22 January 2026 - The Jubilee Party has announced a sweeping reorganisation of its top leadership, framing the changes as a strategic reset ahead of the 2027 General Election and a response to what it described as mounting economic hardship and governance failure under the current administration.

The decisions were reached during a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting chaired by party leader and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, with the resolutions read by Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i, who is also positioning himself as a presidential contender under the Jubilee banner.

“At a time when Kenyans are grappling with a rising cost of living, economic strain, and a government that has prioritised rhetoric over results, the NEC resolved to strengthen the Jubilee Party’s leadership and organizational structures in preparation for the 2027 General Election,” the statement said.

The party said the overhaul was aimed at restoring internal discipline, sharpening policy focus and rebuilding Jubilee into a nationally grounded political movement with strong grassroots machinery.

Among the key appointments is former Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni as Deputy Party Leader in charge of Operations. Jubilee said Kioni will play a central role in reinforcing party structures and compliance, coordinating activities from the grassroots to the national level, and steering engagement and alliance-building with political and societal stakeholders.

The NEC also appointed Ole Kenta as Secretary General, with Zack Kinuthia named Deputy Secretary General. Yassin Noor Haji was appointed National Organising Secretary, while Vincent Mogaka Kimoki takes over as Party Chairperson.

Other changes saw Dan Mwangi named Executive Director, Kembi Gitura appointed Director of Elections, Peter Kados taking charge as Chair of the MCA Caucus, and Saitoti Torome heading the Jubilee Foundation’s public policy work.

More from Kenya

Explainer -Trump’s ‘Board of Peace,’ Allied Hesitation and the Geopolitical Stakes

Aston Villa Hope to Seal Europa League Automatic Qualification Against Fenerbahçe

“These changes reflect a deliberate shift toward rebuilding a disciplined, well-structured, and nationally rooted party capable of articulating clear solutions to the challenges facing Kenyans,” the statement read, adding that Jubilee was seeking to distinguish itself from what it termed “policy confusion, economic pressure, and governance fatigue” under the current leadership.

As the political temperature rises ahead of 2027, the party said it was recommitting itself to unity and reformist politics.

“As the country looks toward 2027, the Jubilee Party reaffirms its commitment to unity, social justice, economic recovery, and leadership that listens to citizens, respects institutions, and delivers practical outcomes, not excuses,” Matiang’i read in the statement.

The reorganization signals Jubilee’s intention to reassert itself on the national stage after years of internal turbulence, with the party increasingly sharpening its messaging around economic justice, institutional respect and accountable leadership.