Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has reaffirmed that the Jubilee Party will remain part of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, a grouping formed ahead of the 2022 general elections.

Speaking at a National Delegates Convention (NDC) in Nairobi, Kenyatta sought to end speculation over the party’s future following years of internal wrangles. This was his first time chairing such a gathering in more than two years.

“For the sake of clarity, I wish to remind Kenyans that the Jubilee Party, as you all know, has been largely silent for the past three years,” he told delegates. “When we last convened the NDC toward the 2022 general elections, the party resolved to become a member of the Azimio la Umoja coalition because I, as the party leader then and now, was convinced that the coalition and its members shared a common vision for our country.”

While acknowledging that Azimio’s membership has shifted since then, Kenyatta insisted Jubilee’s position had not changed. “Notwithstanding these changes, the party, as per the decisions of our organs, remains a member of what is left of this coalition,” he said. “Any decision on whether to reinvest in it or leave it will be for the party’s leadership to take when the time comes. But as of now, we are where we were before.”

In a pointed aside, Kenyatta described himself as a leader who “does not take corners or reverse at convenience,” a remark seen as directed at politicians who have distanced themselves from Azimio.

He also made clear that Jubilee is preparing for the next election cycle. “The party shall be ready with the best possible candidates in the coming elections,” he declared, drawing applause from delegates dressed in the party’s trademark red.

The NDC comes after months of uncertainty over Jubilee’s direction, with rival factions battling for control. Kenyatta’s speech appeared designed to steady the party ahead of 2027 and reassure supporters that Jubilee remains firmly anchored in the opposition coalition led by Raila Odinga.