Jubilee sidelines Kioni for opposing Uhuru-Gachagua ‘handshake’

By Newsflash Reporter

The Jubilee Party has quietly sidelined its Secretary-General, Jeremiah Kioni, from its key decision-making platforms, Newsflash has exclusively learnt.

Although Kioni remains the party’s Secretary-General in title, he has been stripped of his central role as the party’s spokesperson on national issues.

Party insiders revealed that Jubilee Chairperson Saitoti Torome has effectively taken over that role, becoming the party’s primary voice in matters of national importance. Torome, a former Principal Secretary during retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, is said to be a unifying and measured figure—a sharp contrast to Kioni, who many in the party now describe as divisive.

Handshake fallout

Sources told Newsflash that the decision to sideline Kioni stems from his fierce opposition to a proposed political truce between Uhuru and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

“Kioni has been opposing the Uhuru-Gachagua handshake. From now henceforth, Kioni will no longer be the face of Jubilee in national matters,” a senior party official revealed.

It is understood that Kioni’s opposition to the Gachagua-Uhuru détente is deeply personal. While the former president is keen to bury the hatchet with his estranged deputy, Kioni has openly resisted any form of political reconciliation, viewing Gachagua as a threat to Jubilee’s legacy and ideological direction.

The party’s internal tensions appear to have reached a boiling point in recent weeks, with a growing number of Jubilee leaders calling for unity and urging the party to move beyond past rivalries.

Jubilee Party National Chairperson Saitoti Torome. Photo/X/Saitoti Torome

Torome, widely seen as a loyal but low-profile operative, has reportedly gained the trust of both Uhuru and party grassroots leaders for his diplomatic approach and aversion to public drama.

“Torome represents a new chapter for Jubilee. He understands where the party came from, and where it needs to go. He’s not interested in political wars; he’s interested in stability,” said another insider.

Endorsed Matiang’i

Jubilee has endorsed former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as its preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 general election—a move that appears to have the backing of both Gachagua and Uhuru. This alignment has further isolated Kioni, who is believed to have harbored ambitions of steering the party’s political direction independently.

Efforts by Newsflash to get a comment from Kioni on the unfolding developments were unsuccessful. Multiple calls and messages to his known contacts went unanswered.

The sidelining of Kioni marks a significant realignment within the once-dominant party, signaling a broader attempt by Jubilee to reposition itself ahead of the next election cycle.

With the handshake between Uhuru and Gachagua looming, Jubilee appears to be banking on reconciliation and unity over factional infighting—a move that may yet redefine the party’s fortunes in Mt Kenya region.