Uhuru To Ruto: Focus On Serving Kenyans

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has strongly pushed back against President William Ruto’s continued criticism of his previous administration, urging the Head of State to focus on addressing the needs of Kenyans rather than attributing current governance challenges to past leadership.

Speaking during the official handover of the Jubilee Party leadership in Nairobi, Kenyatta questioned why the administration continues to invoke his name nearly four years after the transfer of power.

“When court said they won, did you see us fight? We gave them all instruments of power in broad daylight. It was not at night, there was no war,” Kenyatta stated. “And after four years, he is still saying Uhuru this, Uhuru that. Were you given leadership so that you continue to talk about Uhuru? Or were you given leadership to serve Kenyans?”

Kenyatta observed that political leaders often resort to scapegoating when faced with operational hurdles, noting that citizens are perceptive enough to distinguish between administrative performance and political rhetoric. He also addressed recent public statements by President Ruto labeling him a “sponsor” of opposition activities and a “rebel leader” allegedly backing political formations ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“He is now calling me sponsor, rebel leader. I will speak. I do not fear. Let them insult me and do what they want,” Kenyatta asserted.

Defending his ten-year tenure, the former head of state highlighted key infrastructural and socio-economic milestones achieved despite global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, acknowledging that no administration is immune to shortcomings. He further revisited the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), reiterating that the initiative was designed to establish an equitable framework for national resource distribution.

Kenyatta’s remarks coincided with the formal transition of the Jubilee Party leadership following a September 14 ruling by High Court Justice Lawrence Mugambi. The judgment upheld Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, which restricts retired presidents from holding executive roles in political parties beyond six months after leaving office, while permitting their ongoing participation as party members.