This ruling marks a major victory for the two leaders, who were ousted in 2023 amid internal disputes within the party.
Murathe and Kioni had been removed from their leadership positions by a faction aligned with Kenya Kwanza, led by Kanini Kega and Sabina Chege.
The internal wrangling within Jubilee intensified after the 2022 general elections, as the party split between supporters of former President Uhuru Kenyatta and those who defected to President William Ruto’s camp.
The court found that due process had not been followed during the removal of Murathe and Kioni, rendering their expulsion invalid.
The judge noted that the decision to oust them lacked sufficient legal grounding, thus reinstating both leaders to their previous positions within the party.
However, the same court ruling declined to hold Kanini Kega, Sabina Chege, and Joshua Kutuny in contempt for continuing to function as party leaders while the case was ongoing.
Although Murathe and Kioni argued that the trio had defied court orders, the judge ruled that there was not enough evidence to support these claims.
The leadership dispute within Jubilee has been a prolonged affair, with both sides engaged in legal battles and public confrontations.
Last year, the faction supporting Kega and Chege convened a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Nakuru, where they resolved to replace Kioni, Murathe, and party treasurer Kagwe Gichohi.
This decision was backed by the Registrar of Political Parties, Anne Nderitu, who recognized the NEC meeting as valid under the party’s constitution.
Despite these internal conflicts, the High Court ruling offers a lifeline to Murathe and Kioni, as they regain their leadership roles within Jubilee.
The court's decision highlights the ongoing power struggle within one of Kenya's largest political parties, which was once the ruling party under Uhuru Kenyatta’s leadership.
This ruling may reignite tensions between the rival factions within Jubilee, as the party continues to navigate its post-election identity crisis.
How the leadership handles this latest development will be crucial in determining the future of the Jubilee Party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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