Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and President William Ruto in a photo collage/ HANDOUTThe Jubilee Party has fired back at President William Ruto after he renewed his criticism of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing the former Head of State of sponsoring Opposition activities against his administration.
In a statement responding to Ruto's remarks, Jubilee Secretary General Moitalel Ole Kenta said the President should stop making Uhuru the focus of his political attacks and instead account for his administration's record after four years in office.
“Let it be said plainly: a government that has been in power for a full term cannot keep campaigning against a man who left office in 2022,” Ole Kenta said.
Jubilee said Uhuru, who retired from active presidential office in 2022, remained entitled to his views and political opinions as a Kenyan citizen.
The party claimed that Ruto's administration has repeatedly been invoking the former President instead of concentrating on issues affecting Kenyans, including the cost of living, taxation and employment.
Ole Kenta said the government had had sufficient time in office to establish its own record and should not continue to rely on grievances against its predecessor.
“If retired President Kenyatta’s presence is such a threat, it is only because his record still stands as a mirror this administration would rather not look into,” Jubilee said.
The party's response followed Ruto's remarks in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu county, where he described Uhuru as a sponsor of Opposition politics and questioned his record on affordable housing, universal healthcare and education.
“Mkipima wale watu, ule sponsor wao, alishindwa na maneno ya Affordable Housing? Alishindwa na mambo ya Universal Health Coverage? Alishindwa na maneno ya kusomesha watoto wetu?” Ruto said.
Jubilee rejected the continued political focus on Uhuru, saying Kenyans expected the current administration to be judged on what it had delivered since taking office.
The party also took issue with the suggestion that Uhuru was responsible for current Opposition mobilisation, saying the former President had consistently spoken as a citizen exercising rights available to other Kenyans.
The exchange comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Kenya Kwanza leaders increasingly linking Kenyatta to the Linda Mwananchi movement and wider Opposition mobilisation.
Kenya Kwanza leaders have been continuously alleging that Uhuru is supporting the Opposition, while Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has disputed claims that the retired President is financing political activities.
Sifuna said Uhuru's public role had largely involved encouraging young people to participate in leadership.
“He does not provide financial assistance, maybe just encouraging us,” Sifuna said during Citizen TV's Explainer on July 28.
Jubilee maintained that the political debate should focus on the performance and plans of leaders currently seeking to shape Kenya's future rather than continuing to centre on a retired President.
