Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has hit back at President William Ruto, accusing him of using him as a scapegoat for the current administration's governance failures. Kenyatta made these remarks at the Jubilee Party headquarters, where he chaired a National Executive Council meeting. He stated that his team had accepted defeat in the last General Election, but claimed that Ruto's administration was still blaming him for its failures years later.
Kenyatta expressed his support for former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, citing his commitment to ending tribal politics. He described Matiang'i as a man of wisdom, not corruption, but of work. Kenyatta's endorsement of Matiang'i comes as he seeks to chart a new course for Jubilee and unite with other Kenyans.
The former President questioned why Kenya Kwanza allies had branded him a "sponsor" for speaking out, arguing that democracy allows leaders to air their views without being targeted. Kenyatta emphasized that he wants to focus on uniting with other Kenyans and charting a way forward for Kenya, rather than engaging in insults.
Kenyatta urged the youth to resist being used by politicians to further their own interests. He also defended his decision to step back from active politics, citing the Constitution's two-term limit for presidents. Kenyatta stated that he had asked Kenyans for the presidential vote three times and respects the law and the Constitution.
On his role within Jubilee, Kenyatta announced that he would cede the position of party leader but remain a senior member and senior advisor to Jubilee as the party awaits its National Delegates Convention. He expressed confidence that his younger brother should take up the position and organize the party for the 2027 elections.
President Ruto has renewed attacks on Kenyatta, labeling him a rebel leader who has refused to embrace the role of a statesman. Ruto welcomed a High Court ruling that barred Kenyatta from holding office within a political party, saying the former president had brought shame to the office he once occupied.
The war of words between Ruto and Kenyatta escalates as Ruto accuses Kenyatta of sponsoring opposition activities to destabilize his government. Ruto also urged Kenyans to reject opposition leaders, describing them as engaging in guesswork with the country's future. ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed also questioned the opposition's internal cohesion and lack of a clear agenda.
Key points
- Kenyatta accuses Ruto of using him as a scapegoat for governance failures.
- Kenyatta endorses Fred Matiang'i, citing his commitment to ending tribal politics.
- Ruto renews attacks on Kenyatta, labeling him a rebel leader.
