These tensions escalated over time, culminating in Ruto's departure from Jubilee in 2022 to join the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

President Kenyatta openly endorsed opposition leader Raila Odinga in the run-up to those elections forming the Azimio la Umoja Coalition between Jubilee and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

This unusual alliance failed to secure victory, relegating Jubilee and Azimio to opposition status after UDA's triumph.

These divisions reflect the party's broader challenges in redefining its identity and role in Kenya's evolving political landscape.

[4] The officials were named during the party's first National Governing Council (NGC) meeting held at the Bomas of Kenya Auditorium, in November 2016.

[14] The party's candidate and the incumbent president, Uhuru Kenyatta, won the election by a comfortable margin, receiving 8,223,369 which was 54.17% against ODM leader Raila Odinga who garnered 6,822,812 which translates to 44.94% of the total votes cast.

[15] However, the results of the first election were annulled by the Supreme Court of Kenya following a successful petition from the runner-up, Raila Odinga, who questioned the authenticity of the official vote.

[22] The struggle led to the politicization of government initiatives, resulting in delays in public infrastructure programs, such as dam construction, as well as anti-corruption efforts targeting Ruto.

[23] Some experts expressed concerns that the growing schism within the party could reignite ethnic conflict within the Rift Valley region.

[24][25] Mass ethnic violence has occurred in the region previously, in the aftermath of the 2007 election results, during which 650 people were killed, and tens of thousands were internally displaced.