Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i has criticised President William Ruto over his latest attacks on former President Uhuru Kenyatta. He urged the Head of State to focus on governing the country instead of criticising his predecessor.
Speaking at a rally in Kamana, Oloitoktok, Matiang’i said Uhuru had retired from active politics. He argued that the former President should be allowed to carry out his roles at the African Union and the East African Community without being dragged into political disputes.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary challenged Ruto to stop revisiting his differences with Uhuru. Instead, he urged the President to address concerns about his administration’s performance.
Matiang’i Urges Ruto to Address Public Concerns
Matiang’i reminded Ruto that the presidency represents national unity. He said Kenyans expected the President to focus on his responsibilities rather than repeatedly criticising a retired Head of State.
“Waanzilishi wa nchi yetu walisema that the seat (presidency) is the symbol of unity. Tumefika wakati wa kupanga nchi yetu, umepewa kazi, wachana na maneno ya rais ambaye amestaafu na kupiga nduru kila siku kusema Uhuru hii Uhuru ile,” Matiang’i said.
He added that Uhuru had left his party leadership positions and retired from active politics. According to Matiang’i, the President should now concentrate on answering questions raised by Kenyans.
The Jubilee leader also challenged the government to address concerns surrounding the Social Health Authority (SHA), insecurity and ongoing university lecturers’ strikes.
He argued that these issues required the President’s attention instead of continued political exchanges with his predecessor.
Jubilee Leader Calls for Respectful Politics
Matiang’i also urged political leaders to promote national unity despite their differences. He said competition between the government and opposition was part of democracy and should not threaten peace.
“Nawaambia wenzangu, hata tukiwa upinzani, huu ni wakati wa kuunganisha nchi yetu, tuwache kulaumiana,” he said.
He further called on leaders to maintain respect during the 2027 election campaigns, even when they disagree with their opponents.
Matiang’i said political differences should not prevent leaders from working towards a peaceful country. He urged Kenyans to remain at the centre of political discussions and called on leaders to respect their role in choosing the country’s leadership.
The former CS attended the Oloitoktok rally alongside People’s Party Kenya (PPK) leader Ndindi Nyoro, Jubilee Secretary General Moitalel Ole Kenta and other political leaders.
Ruto Accuses Uhuru of Betraying Political Deal
Matiang’i’s remarks came a day after Ruto labelled Uhuru a conman. The President accused his predecessor of breaking their political agreement and failing to support his presidential bid in 2022.
During rallies in Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties on Monday, Ruto recalled supporting Uhuru’s presidential campaigns in 2013 and 2017. He claimed that Uhuru later turned against him when he sought the presidency.
“Mimi William Ruto nilikupigia kura mara nne. Mimi nilisimama na wewe katika safari yako ya kutafuta uongozi. Nikasimama na wewe 2013, 2017. Wewe ukanitapeli,” Ruto said.
The President also accused Uhuru of promising to support his political ambitions before changing course during the 2022 election campaign.
“Ukasema miaka kumi ya Uhuru na ya Ruto kumi. Wakati yangu ilifika ukanitapeli, ukanikwepa, ukaambia Wakenya wasinipigie kura,” he added.
Ruto further warned opposition leaders against trusting the former President. He argued that Uhuru could also abandon them after gaining their political support.
The latest exchange highlights the growing political differences between Ruto and leaders aligned with the opposition as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.
