Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has responded to the High Court ruling upholding a law that limits retired presidents from holding formal political party leadership positions beyond six months after leaving office.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 15, through the Office of the 4th President, Uhuru said he had received the decision with respect for the Judiciary and viewed it as an affirmation of Kenya's democratic institutions.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi upheld Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, which provides that a retired president cannot hold office in a political party for more than six months after leaving the presidency.
Uhuru, who remains the Jubilee Party leader, said the ruling should not be interpreted as an attempt to restrict his political participation.
“His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta has received this ruling in a spirit of profound respect for the judiciary,” the statement signed by his communications secretary, Kanze Dena-Mararo, said.
“He notes that the court's ruling is not a restriction on his political life; it is a reaffirmation of our democratic maturity.”
The former president further suggested that political leadership extends beyond occupying an official position, saying leadership was about the trust built with the people.
The statement also addressed the long-delayed transition of Jubilee's party chairmanship, which has been the subject of an internal dispute.
According to Uhuru's office, the delay was not caused by unwillingness to relinquish the position but resulted from a contested internal matter that required legal clarification.
“With the court's guidance, that path is now clear,” the statement said.
Uhuru subsequently expressed his willingness to facilitate the completion of the handover, insisting that the process should be conducted transparently and in accordance with Jubilee Party's constitution.
“The former President affirms his absolute willingness to see the handover completed openly, lawfully, and in strict accordance with the Party's constitution,” the statement added.
The development could pave the way for Jubilee to begin a formal leadership transition as the party prepares for the next phase of its political activities.
Uhuru said he welcomed what he described as a “new chapter” for Jubilee, anchored on the rule of law and the party's constitution.
He also called for the party to be carried forward by a new generation of leaders.
The High Court decision does not bar Uhuru from participating in politics or belonging to
a political party. Instead, it addresses his continued occupation of a formal party leadership position beyond the statutory six-month period following his retirement from the presidency.