Despite being out of office, Uhuru has maintained a quiet but far-reaching political presence, leveraging both his financial muscle and an extensive network of allies across the country.
Analysts say Uhuru’s influence is particularly strong in the Mt. Kenya region, but also stretches into other parts of the country where he built alliances during his presidency.
Uhuru also remains the Party Leader of the former ruling party, Jubilee Party, an outfit with nationwide presence.
This sustained clout has reportedly placed him higher on UDA’s watchlist than even some active opposition figures and parties, including Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP.
The Star has established that there are growing concerns, within the ruling United Democratic Movement (UDA), that Uhuru could play a decisive behind-the-scenes role in in next general election.
Apart from directly endorsing former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as his favorite candidate, he is also seen as the only glue that can bring the opposition teams together to challenge President William Ruto in 2027.
The former President has also been in the past linked to squabbles in the opposition with Broad-Based Government allies accusing him of funding the Linda Mwananchi faction of the ODM party.
In what appears to be a calculated move to contain his (Uhuru) influence, UDA allies have now turned to legislative and political tactics aimed at clipping his wings.
Already, the Senate is considering a motion to whittle down his influence and ‘ground him’ by denying him state resources while active in political scene.
The move comes in the wake of sustained attacks on Uhuru by President William Ruto's allies over his political stance.
The proposal sponsored by Nandi senator Samson Cherargei seeks to strip the former president of his retirement benefits, an unprecedented step that could significantly affect his ability to operate politically.
"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," Cherargei argues in his motion.
“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.”
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.
The vocal senator cited provisions in law that allow such action if a former president engages in partisan politics.
The lawmaker further requests that the Office of the Auditor-General conduct a comprehensive audit of all public resources allocated to Uhueu since his departure from office in 2022.
The proposal is anchored on concerns that the former president has remained actively involved in political affairs, contrary to the expectations outlined in the law.
Last week, Uhuru while speaking to Jubilee members via phone during an event in Narok endorsed former Minister Fred Matiang’i for President, and hit out at some politicians he said were critical of his continued involvement in politics.
The move that appeared to have unsettled Ruto’s camp has seen targeted attacks at the retired President.
Many of the pro-Ruto supporters argue that former presidents should remain neutral in active politics.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot said respect for a retired president is tied to adherence to the expectations of the office.
“If you behave yourself like a retired president, people will respect you. But if you misbehave, people will deal with you as it is supposed to be dealt with,” Cheruiyot said.
The push to withdraw benefits, as a way of containing Uhuru politically, has sparked debate across the political divide, with some leaders warning it could set a dangerous precedent in the treatment of former heads of state.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo has dismissed too silence Uhuru and weaken his political leverage through the motion as an exercise in futility.
According the ODM lawmaker, such benefits conferred to a retired President by the Constitution cannot be varied to his or her disadvantage.
“Some debates are really a waste of time. This purported motion by Cherargei is idle and not worthy of discussion. The benefits due to any former President cannot be altered to their disadvantage during their lifetime. We specifically inserted this in the constitution,” Otiende said.
On his part, Uhuru has maintained he will not be silenced and will stand for his Jubilee Party which is a major player in the coming polls.
The former Head of State insisted that he has the constitutional right to freedom of expression and to engage in politics, noting that he retains the liberty to speak and belong to the party.
“Why do they always want me to remain silent? They do not even want me at weddings and funerals of friends. They just want me to remain quiet like a dumb person,” Uhuru said llast week when he addressed Jubilee Narok delegates on phone.
“When I talk just a little, they start shouting, telling me to retire and go home. Why didn’t they tell Moi to retire and go home?”
“I have the right to stand with Jubilee. They are not only interfering with Jubilee, but they are also after other parties. They want to close all of them down. This is against multipartism.”
His allies have also warned against attempts to silence the former President insisting that, like any other Kenyan, he has every right to express himself.
Jubilee deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i defended his ex-boss’ right to speech saying the Constitution guarantees every person such freedom.
“In Nigeria, in the US, in the UK former presidents and prime ministers speak, campaign and attend public forums, and the world does not come to an end,” he said while defending Uhuru’s political activities.
“A retired President makes one phone call and the government screams the whole weekend. What kind of people are these? You have a country to run, a government to run yet all your time is spent insulting a retired president.”
Jubilee Secretary General Moitalel Ole Kenta insisted the retired President will continue with his political activities despite the threats.
"We are particularly concerned, and indeed alarmed by reckless statements from certain political actors threatening punitive action against the former President, including the suggestion that his retirement benefits could be withdrawn," Kenta said.
“Retirement benefits for former Presidents are not political favours to be granted or withdrawn at will. They are legal entitlements grounded in law, designed to preserve the dignity of the office and to ensure continuity and stability within our system of governance.”
Jubilee accused the ruling party of looking for scape-goats through the use of Uhuru’s name.
"From the very first day this administration assumed office, it has sought to construct a political narrative anchored not in its own vision or delivery, but in the constant invocation of H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta as a point of blame, distraction, and deflection. Every challenge becomes his legacy," Kenta said.
"Every failure is conveniently projected backwards. Every unmet promise is explained away by invoking his name. This approach is not only intellectually lazy; it is politically dishonest."
The former Narok North MP termed the move to target Uhuru as a sign of panic from the ruling Party ahead of 2027 elections.
A lobby group has also moved to the High Court seeking to stop Parliament from considering a motion that could lead to the review and possible alteration of former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s retirement benefits.
In an urgent application filed on Tuesday, Sheria Mtaani, together with advocate Shadrack Wambui, argues that the parliamentary process is unconstitutional and violates rights protected under the Constitution.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
Uhuru’s political posture remains closely watched. While he has largely avoided direct confrontation with the current administration led by William Ruto, his perceived re-emergence as a power broker appears to be reshaping calculations within the ruling party. Whether the latest efforts will succeed in curbing his influence remains to be seen.
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