Azimio to convene meeting over Uhuru's role as Chair - Kalonzo

Wiper Patriotic Front Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has welcomed former President Uhuru Kenyatta's decision to relinquish his role as the Jubilee Party Leader following the High Court ruling issued on Monday. 

The ruling delivered by Justice Lawrence Mugambi barred retired presidents from holding political party office for more than six months after leaving State House, but they can join or participate in party political activities.

In a statement on Tuesday, September 15, Kalonzo, however, revealed that the decision doesn't affect Uhuru's role as the Chairman of the Council of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party. 

Kalonzo, who is the Azimio coalition party leader, said the Council would convene a meeting to decide on the way forward on the matter, reaffirming that its outcome would be guided by the law. 

"Section 6 (1) of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, No 11 of 2003, speaks to the holding of leadership office in a political party and the Council will consider the judgment and give it full effect in accordance with our coalition constitution, the Political Parties Act No. 11 of 2011 and the Deed of Agreement with any consequent changes duly notified to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties," he stated.

The Azimio boss noted that the judgment reserves Uhuru's right to join a political party and take part in its activities.

"It follows that the Jubilee Party remains a valued member of this coalition party, and that former President Uhuru remains a member of our movement whose counsel we shall continue to seek," he said.

Further, Kalonzo reiterated his call for the Azimio rebranding phase, citing that the coalition party will be revitalised to present an inclusive faction ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In his judgment, Justice Mugambi ruled that the law only bars retired presidents from holding party leadership positions beyond six months after leaving office.

He, however, noted that the Constitution does not prevent them from joining or participating in political parties. 

Following the ruling, Uhuru, through the office of the Communications Secretary at the Office of the 4th President, said that the ruling is a reaffirmation of Kenya's democratic maturity and will honour the directive.

Uhuru noted that he is willing to lawfully hand over his position in line with the party's constitution, expressing confidence that the transition shall be seamless.

"H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta welcomes this new chapter for Jubilee, built on the rule of law, guided by the Party's constitution, and carried forward by the next generation of leadership," read the communique.