Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s return to politics is stirring turmoil in President William Ruto’s camp and disrupting opposition strategies. He led a large Jubilee party rally in Murang’a alongside presidential candidate Fred Matiang’i. He urged Mount Kenya residents to heed his advice as in 2022 and support Matiang’i.
Recently, Mr. Kenyatta led a large public rally for his Jubilee party in Murang’a county, accompanied by the party’s presidential candidate Fred Matiang’i. He used the platform to launch attacks on the current government of Dr. Ruto. While promoting Dr. Matiang’i, the former president urged Mount Kenya residents to follow his advice as they did ahead of the 2022 general election by voting for the current president.
“I warned you back then but you didn’t listen and went ahead to choose these people. Aren’t you seeing it now?” Mr. Kenyatta said, without further explanation. The implication of his statement is that if residents had supported his choice at the time, Raila Odinga, they would not be complaining as they are now.
Mr. Kenyatta portrayed Dr. Matiang’i as a visionary and hardworking leader who can complete development projects he initiated during his administration. “In 2022 I warned you about certain people but you didn’t listen. Now I hope you are ready to support leaders who are dedicated to advancing Kenya’s development,” he explained.
The remarks have irked President Ruto’s allies, who interpret them as questioning the Kenya Kwanza government’s policies. Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi have warned Mr. Kenyatta against continuing to stir politics. Cherargei threatened that if he persists in criticizing the government, his payments would be withheld. “Please Mr. Kenyatta stay home and watch how President Ruto’s government is implementing beneficial policies for citizens,” he warned.
However, Professor Gitile Naituli states the government cannot withhold Mr. Kenyatta’s constitutional rights. “Who told Senator Cherargei that the government can prevent Mr. Kenyatta from enjoying his political rights under Article 37 of the Constitution,” he explained. Mr. Kenyatta’s move squeezes former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s position in Mount Kenya ahead of 2027.