Keep off politics, CS Wandayi tells Uhuru

By  George Odiwuor

Correspondent

Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

• The Cabinet Secretary urged Mr Kenyatta to accord President William Ruto the same respect enjoyed by previous heads of state.
• He noted that past presidents did not face the level of sustained criticism currently directed at the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Senior government leaders have escalated their criticism of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta following his recent calls for opposition unity ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi is the latest top official to fault the former head of state, urging him to step back from active politics and focus on uniting the country rather than antagonizing sitting leaders.

Speaking at Odaso Health Centre in Kanyamwa Kosele Ward, Ndhiwa Constituency, during a women's empowerment programme, Mr Wandayi argued that Mr Kenyatta's recent political remarks are detrimental to the nation.

He maintained that the former president should enjoy his retirement instead of engaging in electioneering.

"You must be content with the fact that this country gave you ten years to lead it. You must be thankful," Mr Wandayi said.

The Cabinet Secretary urged Mr Kenyatta to accord President William Ruto the same respect enjoyed by previous heads of state.

He noted that past presidents did not face the level of sustained criticism currently directed at the Kenya Kwanza administration.

"Jomo Kenyatta was accorded respect alongside all other heads of state who served after him. You must therefore practice patriotism," Mr Wandayi stated.

During his address, Mr Wandayi dismissed the retired president's political credibility, accusing him of dishonesty regarding past political alliances.

He claimed Mr Kenyatta misled former Prime Minister Raila Odinga about supporting his presidential bid and accused him of insincerity during past anti-government protests.

Growing chorus of criticism

"You even lied to us after the election. You lied during the past protests that you were with us when in reality you were not," Mr Wandayi said, vowing to continue exposing what he termed as the former president's political missteps.

The Energy CS further asserted that efforts to rally the opposition against President Ruto in 2027 will fail.

Describing opposition figures as tribalists incapable of uniting the country, the CS predicted that President Ruto will secure over 60 per cent of the vote in the next election, citing equitable development projects across the nation.

Mr Wandayi’s remarks add to a growing chorus of criticism from the executive and legislative arms of government.

On November 11, 2026, President Ruto publicly accused his predecessor of political betrayal during the 2022 transition, questioning why Mr Kenyatta continues to target his administration nearly four years into its term and warning opposition leaders against trusting him.

Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome echoed similar sentiments, stating that Mr Kenyatta had completed his constitutional tenure and should allow the current administration space to deliver on its mandate without interference.

Meanwhile, ruling coalition lawmakers, including Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, have threatened to sponsor parliamentary motions to review or withdraw Mr Kenyatta’s state-funded retirement benefits.

The senators argue that his active involvement in Jubilee Party affairs and broader opposition politics violates the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, which restricts retired presidents from holding active partisan roles.

In his defense, Mr Kenyatta maintained his right to speak on national issues following recent changes in the Jubilee Party leadership.

He has criticised the current administration for repeatedly blaming his past tenure for current governance challenges, urging opposition leaders to set aside their differences and unite for the future of the country.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for breaking news updates and more stories like this.