Muturi tells off leaders over attacks on Uhuru, calls for respect for retired presidents

Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi./HANDOUT

Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi has criticised what he describes as sustained attacks on former President Uhuru Kenyatta, urging leaders to end what he termed as hostile public remarks' against the retired Head of State.

In a statement shared on his social media platforms, Muturi termed the criticism “reckless, unnecessary and unconstitutional conduct” that undermines democratic values and the dignity of former leaders.

“The sustained and increasingly hostile attacks directed at Rtd President Uhuru Kenyatta by leaders within the Kenya Kwanza administration must come to an immediate end,” Muturi said.

“These actions are reckless, unnecessary, and represent a direct affront to constitutional democracy.”

Allies of President William Ruto have in recent days escalated a fresh wave of political attacks against Uhuru as he pushes to influence 2027 politics.

Senior leaders in the Kenya Kwanza administration have claimed Uhuru was financing opposition rallies, inciting young people and attempting to destabilise the Ruto government.

The pro-government leaders were responding to remarks made by Uhuru through a phone address to residents of Narok during a thanksgiving ceremony for Jubilee secretary general Ole Kenta.

Uhuru claimed the Kenya Kwanza administration is gagging him on the grounds that he is retired.

The Jubilee leader also claimed the government was interfering with other parties, saying democracy should be respected.

Uhuru dismissed claims that he should stay silent, questioning why similar demands were not made of past leaders.

“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.

“Why do they keep telling me I can’t speak, I can’t go to a wedding, attend a funeral of a friend, or visit a friend?” he asked.

 “Ati ninyamaze kama bubu na kuna macho naona na nina maskio naskia."

Muturi argued that the remarks against the former president risk eroding democratic norms, adding that retired leaders are entitled to participate in national affairs.

“Kenya does not exist in isolation; there is a whole world beyond our borders where democratic norms are respected and upheld,” he said. “Across Africa and the world, retired leaders remain active participants in national and global affairs.”

He maintained that Uhuru Kenyatta, like other former heads of state globally, should be allowed space to engage in public and political discourse.

Muturi also called on political leaders to focus on accountability, saying governance challenges should not be shifted to past administrations.

“It must be clearly understood that the failures of your government cannot and will not be blamed on H.E Uhuru Kenyatta. Leadership demands accountability, not scapegoating,” he said.

The former National Assembly Speaker cited constitutional protections for retired presidents, noting that their benefits and privileges are safeguarded.

“Any attempt to intimidate or undermine this provision is both unconstitutional, null and void and unacceptable,” he added.

Muturi further warned against rising political intolerance, saying Kenya needs issue-based politics anchored on respect for democratic freedoms.

“No political formation has the right to dictate the leadership, alliances, or internal affairs of another. We do not choose partners for them, and they will not choose partners for us,” he said.

He concluded by calling for a shift towards constructive political engagement, stating that Kenya deserves “mature, issue-based politics, not intimidation, propaganda, or vendetta".