Former President Uhuru Kenyatta made a rare public appearance on Friday when he arrived for the Jubilee Party National Delegates Conference in Nairobi, accompanied by former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.

The event, held at the Jockey Club, Ngong Racecourse, drew hundreds of delegates dressed in Jubilee’s trademark red. Uhuru arrived in a black Toyota Land Cruiser and was greeted warmly at the entrance by Matiang’i. The two exchanged a firm handshake before moving on to meet other party leaders, including Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni.

The conference is seen as a crucial moment for the former ruling party, which has struggled with internal divisions since a faction led by nominated MP Sabina Chege and East African Legislative Assembly member Kanini Kega attempted to take control. The infighting has left many supporters uncertain about the party’s future.

“All eyes are on the former head of state,” said a delegate, speaking before the meeting began. “We want to hear where Jubilee is headed as we prepare for the next election.”

Kioni, who has been a close ally of Kenyatta, framed the gathering as a turning point. “This is a reaffirmation of our commitment to unity and renewal,” he said in a statement earlier this week. “Jubilee’s story is still being written, and together we move.”

The presence of Matiang’i has fuelled speculation about his possible role in the party’s revival. Once seen as a potential presidential contender, he has recently held listening tours and consultative meetings with party members. While he has not confirmed any formal return to frontline politics, allies suggest his involvement could strengthen Jubilee’s chances in 2027.

For Kenyatta, who has kept a low profile since leaving office in 2022, the NDC offers an opportunity to assert his influence at a time when opposition politics is shifting and alliances remain fluid. His address is expected to chart a path forward for the party, once a dominant force in Kenya’s politics but now fighting to stay relevant.