Jubilee Party Accuses Ruto of Failed Leadership, Defends Uhuru Kenyatta’s Right to Speak

 By Gedion Nzyoki -

Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i and Party Secretary-General Moitalel Ole Kenta during a press briefing, flanked by other party officials. Photo: Jubilee Party (Facebook).

• Jubilee Party has criticised the current administration, accusing it of failing to effectively address key national challenges and engaging in political blame games
• The party strongly defended former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s right to freedom of expression, insisting his recent remarks were misrepresented and politically targeted
• Jubilee leaders warned against intimidation of former leaders and urged the government to focus on economic and governance issues rather than escalating political tensions

Nairobi, Kenya | May 4, 2026 — The Jubilee Party has launched a sharp critique of President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of failing to address key national challenges while instead shifting blame to former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Speaking during a press briefing on Monday afternoon at the party headquarters, the party’s Secretary-General, Moitale Ole Kenta, flanked by Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i and other officials, defended Uhuru Kenyatta’s recent remarks at the Jubilee Maa Delegates Forum in Narok County. He insisted that the remarks had been “deliberately distorted” for political gain.

Ole Kenta questioned the backlash against the former president, asking why a former Head of State addressing citizens should be considered a threat.

“What exactly is so threatening about a former president speaking to the people he once led?” he posed.

The Jubilee Party linked the controversy surrounding Kenyatta’s remarks to broader governance challenges facing the country, arguing that many Kenyans continue to struggle with the high cost of living, dwindling economic opportunities, and growing uncertainty about the future.

The party maintained that Kenyatta’s comments were reflective rather than divisive, saying they mirrored the realities confronting ordinary citizens. It further accused the current administration of focusing on blame instead of delivering practical solutions to the country’s pressing issues.

“At a time when Kenyans are facing a high cost of living and economic uncertainty, it is only natural for experienced leaders to contribute to national discourse. Uhuru Kenyatta’s remarks were reflective and grounded in the realities of ordinary citizens, yet the hostile response reveals insecurity at the highest levels of leadership,” Ole Kenta said.

The party also emphasized that Kenyatta, like any other Kenyan, has a constitutional right to freedom of expression, dismissing claims that his public engagement should be restricted.

It further raised concern over remarks by some political figures suggesting that Kenyatta’s retirement benefits could be withdrawn, terming such threats unconstitutional and dangerous.

“Retirement benefits for former presidents are legal entitlements grounded in law, not political favors,” the party stated.

In a defiant tone, the party warned against what it described as attempts to intimidate dissenting voices, arguing that targeting a former president for expressing his views sends a chilling message to the public.

It maintained that democracy must be anchored in respect for freedom of expression, association, and participation in public affairs.

“This is not the Kenya we have built, and it is not the Kenya we will allow to emerge,” the Secretary-General added.

The party urged the government to focus on delivering solutions rather than engaging in what it termed “endless political theatre,” stressing that Kenyans voted for tangible change, not retrospective blame.

Citing historical precedents, Jubilee noted that retired presidents in Kenya and around the world have continued to participate in political discourse without restriction.

“History is clear: retired presidents in Kenya and across the world have continued to participate in political discourse and national conversations. Former President Moi openly engaged in politics after retirement. President Ruto once joined hands with the late President Moi to campaign against the 2010 Constitution, and this explains why, up to now, the current administration does not fully respect the Constitution. The late Moi also vigorously campaigned for President Kibaki in the 2007 General Election. President Kibaki, in turn, expressed confidence in Uhuru Kenyatta’s leadership choices after leaving office. Therefore, this administration cannot selectively rewrite democratic principles simply because it feels threatened,” Ole Kenta stated.

On his part, Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i said Kenya, as a constitutional democracy, should not descend into what he termed unnecessary hostility toward former leaders. He noted that many countries—including Nigeria, Tanzania, Botswana, and Mozambique—continue to accommodate and respect retired presidents who remain active in public life.

He cited regional examples such as former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, who continues to participate in public affairs after leaving office, arguing that Kenya should emulate similar democratic maturity.

The former Interior cabinet secretary further defended former President Uhuru Kenyatta, insisting that the retired head of state retains full constitutional rights to freedom of expression and association. He maintained that Kenyatta, now a private citizen and political party leader, is fully entitled to engage in political discourse without being subjected to public attacks.

At the international level, he pointed to the United States, where former presidents such as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama continue to participate in political and civic life without controversy, arguing that Kenya should similarly normalize the role of retired leaders within its democratic space.

Matiang’i urged leaders to refocus on governance, warning that the country faces serious challenges that require attention rather than political confrontation. He cautioned against what he described as “arrogance and self-destructive hubris” in leadership, calling instead for respect for constitutional offices, democratic principles, and national cohesion.

The Jubilee Party statement came hours after Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura criticized former President Uhuru Kenyatta over his continued involvement in political discourse, setting the stage for a fresh round of political exchanges between the ruling side and the opposition-linked party.