Jeremiah Kioni Named Jubilee Deputy Party Leader

The Jubilee Party has reorganised its top leadership, promoting Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni to Deputy Party Leader following decisions by the National Executive Committee and the National Delegates Convention.

The changes were approved by the NEC on 22 January and later ratified by delegates, as the party moves to strengthen its internal structures ahead of the 2027 General Election. The reorganisation forms part of a broader effort to stabilise the party after a prolonged period of internal divisions.

Kioni will serve alongside former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who was confirmed as Deputy Party Leader in October 2025 and remains Jubilee’s presidential candidate for the next election. The arrangement places Matiang’i at the centre of the party’s national campaign, while Kioni is expected to focus on strengthening organisational and administrative functions. 

At an NEC meeting last October, Kioni said the committee had unanimously endorsed Matiang’i as the party’s leader and public face. The leadership reshuffle follows years of infighting that began after the 2022 General Election. Competing factions linked to former President Uhuru Kenyatta and to Sabina Chege and Kanini Kega fought for control of the party, leading to repeated legal challenges. 

A High Court ruling in mid-2025 upheld the legitimacy of the May 2023 National Delegates Convention, restoring the Kenyatta-aligned leadership. The Registrar of Political Parties subsequently recognised this faction, bringing the dispute to an end.

Jubilee has also appointed Richard Moitalel Ole Kenta as its new Secretary General. Ole Kenta, a lawyer, served as Member of Parliament for Narok North from 2013 to 2022. He later ran for Narok governor on an ODM ticket in 2022 but lost, and his election petition was unsuccessful.

The party cited Ole Kenta’s experience in public service and elective politics as key factors in his appointment. He has previously served as Chairman of Kenya Wine Agencies Limited and as a Director at the Geothermal Development Company. Former Education Chief Administrative Secretary Zack Kinuthia has been named Deputy Secretary General.