Gerald Kyalo. (geraldbway).
The Jubilee Party has come out swinging to defend former President Uhuru Kenyatta following recent attacks from leaders allied to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party. The backlash stems from statements by some UDA politicians threatening to withdraw Mr. Kenyatta’s retirement benefits after he openly criticized the current government’s performance.
In an official statement, Jubilee expressed alarm at the threats, describing them as reckless and a dangerous precedent. “We are particularly concerned, and indeed alarmed by reckless statements from certain political actors threatening punitive action against the former President, including the suggestion that his retirement benefits could be withdrawn,” the statement read.
The controversy escalated after Mr. Kenyatta, who also serves as the Jubilee Party leader, criticized the government over perceived governance failures and the slow pace of national development. His remarks, which sought to highlight challenges facing ordinary Kenyans, were met with sharp rebukes from prominent UDA leaders.
Narok North MP Moitalel Ole Kenta, in a letter representing Jubilee’s position, directed particular criticism at President William Ruto and his allies. The MP emphasized that retirement benefits for former presidents are not political favors that can be granted or withdrawn at will. “Retirement benefits for former Presidents are legal entitlements grounded in law, designed to preserve the dignity of the office and to ensure continuity and stability within our system of governance,” Ole Kenta asserted.
UDA Leaders Demand Retaliation
Among those leading the charge was Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and MP Joseph Cherorot. Both lawmakers suggested punitive measures against Mr. Kenyatta, warning that his benefits could be revoked. They argued that the former president should emulate his predecessors, Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki, who reportedly retired without criticizing their successors.
“Sisi Wakenya si wajinga, wachana na mambo ya chama. Kama bado unataka kupata ile benefits ya serial… tukiwa bunge tutaleta mswada hiyo pesa yake ambaye anapata kutoka serikali, tutaondoa…” MP Cherorot said, emphasizing his stance on the matter.
Senate Majority Leader Cheruiyot was even more pointed in his criticism, framing Mr. Kenyatta’s actions as disrespectful to the institution of the presidency. “The late President Moi, when he retired in 2002, went to his farm in Kabarak and never bothered to do the silly monkey games you are doing today. When Kibaki retired, he respected the office that the people of Kenya had given him; he peacefully rested in his home,” Cheruiyot said.
He continued, “What is so special about you that after 10 years of presidency, instead of relaxing and respecting yourself, you are here addressing people all over the country as if there is anything special you did when you were president of Kenya…”
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, also criticized Mr. Kenyatta. He called on the former president to accord President Ruto the respect befitting the office, highlighting that Ruto had remained loyal and respectful during his tenure as Deputy President. “When Uhuru was president, Ruto respected him fully as Head of State. His current posture does not reflect the same respect for the presidency. Why can’t he reciprocate?” Ruku questioned.
Jubilee Party: A Pattern of Political Intimidation
Jubilee, however, argues that the attacks are part of a broader, systematic approach by the ruling party to shift focus from current governance challenges. “From the very first day this administration assumed office, it has sought to construct a political narrative anchored not in its own vision or delivery, but in the constant invocation of H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta as a point of blame, distraction, and deflection. Every challenge becomes his legacy,” the party’s statement read.
According to Jubilee, this strategy unfairly projects the government’s failures onto Mr. Kenyatta and represents a politically dishonest approach to leadership. “Every failure is conveniently projected backwards. Every unmet promise is explained away by invoking his name. This approach is not only intellectually lazy; it is politically dishonest,” the statement continued.
The party also defended Mr. Kenyatta’s recent comments, arguing that they were not intended to incite division but were grounded in the realities faced by millions of Kenyans. Jubilee warns that threatening the legal entitlements of a former president sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the respect and dignity of the Office of the President.
“The fixation on Uhuru Kenyatta must be understood. It is not about him. It is about the failure to confront present realities. Such statements are not only constitutionally untenable; they represent a dangerous erosion of the respect and dignity accorded to the Office of the President, both past and present,” reads the statement signed by the Jubilee Secretary-General.
The Broader Implications
This clash between Jubilee and UDA leaders raises broader questions about political tolerance, respect for constitutional rights, and the boundaries of criticism in Kenyan politics. Former presidents enjoy constitutional protections and benefits designed to honor their service, including pensions, security, and official support. Any attempt to withhold these benefits based on political disagreements could provoke legal challenges and public debate.
Analysts say the tension reflects deeper political rivalry as Kenya approaches another electoral cycle. Mr. Kenyatta’s influence within Jubilee remains significant, and his vocal criticisms of the current government may continue to be a focal point of political contention. For now, the debate underscores the delicate balance between free expression, political accountability, and respect for institutions that underpin Kenya’s democratic system.
In defending the former president, Jubilee is sending a clear message: criticism of government performance is not a crime, and constitutional entitlements should not be manipulated as political weapons. As Kenya navigates this political friction, citizens and political actors alike will be closely watching how respect for law and office is maintained in practice.
In an official statement, Jubilee expressed alarm at the threats, describing them as reckless and a dangerous precedent. “We are particularly concerned, and indeed alarmed by reckless statements from certain political actors threatening punitive action against the former President, including the suggestion that his retirement benefits could be withdrawn,” the statement read.
The controversy escalated after Mr. Kenyatta, who also serves as the Jubilee Party leader, criticized the government over perceived governance failures and the slow pace of national development. His remarks, which sought to highlight challenges facing ordinary Kenyans, were met with sharp rebukes from prominent UDA leaders.
Narok North MP Moitalel Ole Kenta, in a letter representing Jubilee’s position, directed particular criticism at President William Ruto and his allies. The MP emphasized that retirement benefits for former presidents are not political favors that can be granted or withdrawn at will. “Retirement benefits for former Presidents are legal entitlements grounded in law, designed to preserve the dignity of the office and to ensure continuity and stability within our system of governance,” Ole Kenta asserted.
UDA Leaders Demand Retaliation
Among those leading the charge was Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and MP Joseph Cherorot. Both lawmakers suggested punitive measures against Mr. Kenyatta, warning that his benefits could be revoked. They argued that the former president should emulate his predecessors, Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki, who reportedly retired without criticizing their successors.
“Sisi Wakenya si wajinga, wachana na mambo ya chama. Kama bado unataka kupata ile benefits ya serial… tukiwa bunge tutaleta mswada hiyo pesa yake ambaye anapata kutoka serikali, tutaondoa…” MP Cherorot said, emphasizing his stance on the matter.
Senate Majority Leader Cheruiyot was even more pointed in his criticism, framing Mr. Kenyatta’s actions as disrespectful to the institution of the presidency. “The late President Moi, when he retired in 2002, went to his farm in Kabarak and never bothered to do the silly monkey games you are doing today. When Kibaki retired, he respected the office that the people of Kenya had given him; he peacefully rested in his home,” Cheruiyot said.
He continued, “What is so special about you that after 10 years of presidency, instead of relaxing and respecting yourself, you are here addressing people all over the country as if there is anything special you did when you were president of Kenya…”
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, also criticized Mr. Kenyatta. He called on the former president to accord President Ruto the respect befitting the office, highlighting that Ruto had remained loyal and respectful during his tenure as Deputy President. “When Uhuru was president, Ruto respected him fully as Head of State. His current posture does not reflect the same respect for the presidency. Why can’t he reciprocate?” Ruku questioned.
Jubilee Party: A Pattern of Political Intimidation
Jubilee, however, argues that the attacks are part of a broader, systematic approach by the ruling party to shift focus from current governance challenges. “From the very first day this administration assumed office, it has sought to construct a political narrative anchored not in its own vision or delivery, but in the constant invocation of H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta as a point of blame, distraction, and deflection. Every challenge becomes his legacy,” the party’s statement read.
According to Jubilee, this strategy unfairly projects the government’s failures onto Mr. Kenyatta and represents a politically dishonest approach to leadership. “Every failure is conveniently projected backwards. Every unmet promise is explained away by invoking his name. This approach is not only intellectually lazy; it is politically dishonest,” the statement continued.
The party also defended Mr. Kenyatta’s recent comments, arguing that they were not intended to incite division but were grounded in the realities faced by millions of Kenyans. Jubilee warns that threatening the legal entitlements of a former president sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the respect and dignity of the Office of the President.
“The fixation on Uhuru Kenyatta must be understood. It is not about him. It is about the failure to confront present realities. Such statements are not only constitutionally untenable; they represent a dangerous erosion of the respect and dignity accorded to the Office of the President, both past and present,” reads the statement signed by the Jubilee Secretary-General.
The Broader Implications
This clash between Jubilee and UDA leaders raises broader questions about political tolerance, respect for constitutional rights, and the boundaries of criticism in Kenyan politics. Former presidents enjoy constitutional protections and benefits designed to honor their service, including pensions, security, and official support. Any attempt to withhold these benefits based on political disagreements could provoke legal challenges and public debate.
Analysts say the tension reflects deeper political rivalry as Kenya approaches another electoral cycle. Mr. Kenyatta’s influence within Jubilee remains significant, and his vocal criticisms of the current government may continue to be a focal point of political contention. For now, the debate underscores the delicate balance between free expression, political accountability, and respect for institutions that underpin Kenya’s democratic system.
In defending the former president, Jubilee is sending a clear message: criticism of government performance is not a crime, and constitutional entitlements should not be manipulated as political weapons. As Kenya navigates this political friction, citizens and political actors alike will be closely watching how respect for law and office is maintained in practice.
