Let Ruto do his job, Mwaura tells Uhuru

Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura has urged former President Uhuru Kenyatta to give President William Ruto space to lead, saying retired heads of state should step back and allow those in office to execute their mandate.

Mwaura emphasised the need for peace and unity, noting that former leaders play a critical role as mentors but should avoid interfering with current administration functions.

Speaking on Monday, Mwaura drew parallels with the US, citing the example of former US President Jimmy Carter, who he said focused on humanitarian and community work after leaving office.

“If a President is retired, it is good he leaves those in office to do their work as required so that we can have peace and unity. If something arises, there should be proper communication to address it,” he said.

“Even in America, when a President leaves office, they retire to go and do other things. Today, I was thinking about former US President Jimmy Carter, when he left office, he went to do community work and helping people. He lived a very long life. That is what should happen for you to be a good mentor within the community.”

Mwaura maintained that constructive engagement, where necessary, should follow established communication channels to avoid undermining governance or national cohesion.

The remarks come days after Uhuru pushed back against critics calling on him to retire from politics, insisting he has a constitutional right to remain active and defend his party.

Speaking via phone during a Jubilee Party event, Uhuru dismissed calls for his silence, questioning why former leaders were not subjected to similar demands.

“When I speak one or two things, I am told I have retired and should go home. Why didn’t they tell Moi to retire and go home?” he posed.

He maintained that while he is not seeking elective office, he remains an active member of the Jubilee Party and has a right to defend it.

“I am in active politics, but I am not looking for any seat. I have a right to defend my political party and stand with it. I am a member of Jubilee by blood,” he said.

Uhuru also cited former US President Barack Obama as an example of retired leaders who continue to support their political parties.

However, his remarks have drawn criticism from a section of leaders allied to President William Ruto, who argue that his continued political engagement undermines his stature as a statesman.

On Monday, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei filed a motion in the Senate seeking to stop or reduce retirement benefits for retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.

In the motion, Cherargei wants Parliament to revoke, reallocate or vary the budget relating to the benefits of the former President.

".... the House recommends that any funds recovered from benefits previously accorded to the retired President shall be redirected to serve the interests and welfare of the people of Kenya," the motion states in part.

The move comes in the wake of sustained attacks on Uhuru by President William Ruto's allies over his political stance.

Speaking to Jubilee members via phone during an event in Narok, Uhuru endorsed former Minister Fred Matiangi for President, and hit out at some politicians he said were critical of his continued involvement in politics.

In the motion, Cherargei wants the Auditor General to audit all public resources allocated to Uhuru and submit a report to parliament within 60 days.

".... the House recommends the revocation, variation or reallocation of budgetary provisions relating to the benefits of the retired President, in line with the findings of the audit and subject to approval in accordance with the law," the motion reads. Uhuru Kenyatta.

The motion calls on lawmakers to review and potentially revoke the benefits granted under the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act.

Senator Cherargei argues that the benefits—funded by taxpayers—are contingent upon a retired president maintaining political neutrality, a condition he claims has been breached.

“Parliament resolves that the retirement benefits and allowances accruing to the retired President be withdrawn and/or reduced,” the motion states.