Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has rejected President William Ruto's description of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta as a "rebel leader". Kalonzo said Ruto is attempting to draw Uhuru into a political contest he had chosen not to engage in. He stated that the political contest ahead of the 2027 General Election would not be between Ruto and Uhuru, but between the President and Kenyans seeking to challenge his administration.
Kalonzo's remarks followed renewed criticism of Uhuru by Ruto, who has in recent days said his predecessor is backing opposition activities against the Kenya Kwanza administration. Ruto described Uhuru as a "rebel leader" and questioned his involvement in opposition politics. Ruto also questioned whether Uhuru can influence the 2027 presidential contest after failing to prevent his victory in the 2022 election.
The High Court recently upheld a law restricting retired presidents from holding leadership positions in political parties beyond six months after leaving office. Justice Lawrence Mugambi ruled that Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act was a reasonable limitation on the political rights of retired presidents. The ruling, however, does not bar a former president from belonging to a political party or participating in political activities.
Uhuru has since agreed to hand over the Jubilee Party chairmanship, saying the court decision had provided the legal clarity needed to complete the transition. His office said the handover would be conducted openly, lawfully and in accordance with the party constitution. Kalonzo said Jubilee was preparing for the transition, announcing that he would convene a party meeting to make the necessary decisions.
Kalonzo defended Uhuru's political rights, arguing that the High Court ruling dealt with holding a formal party office rather than membership or political participation. He said Uhuru's willingness to relinquish the Jubilee leadership demonstrated the statesmanship he associated with the former President. Kalonzo also stated that the opposition would respond to Ruto, not Uhuru.
The transition comes as opposition parties and political formations continue consultations on how to approach the 2027 election. Kalonzo, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former Attorney General Justin Muturi, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other opposition figures have been involved in efforts to build a broader political alliance. The opposition has yet to settle on a presidential candidate.
Key political players are positioning themselves for the 2027 General Election. With 322 days, 14 hours, and 48 minutes to go, various leaders are making their moves. The likes of Kaikai, Gachagua, Museveni, Kindiki, and Sifuna are all making headlines. As the election draws near, Kenyans will be watching closely to see how the various political players navigate the complex landscape.
Key points
- Kalonzo Musyoka rejects President Ruto's description of Uhuru Kenyatta as a "rebel leader".
- The High Court upheld a law restricting retired presidents from holding leadership positions in political parties beyond six months after leaving office.
- Uhuru Kenyatta has agreed to hand over the Jubilee Party chairmanship.
