NAIROBI, Kenya – Jubilee Party Leader Fred Matiang’i has challenged President William Ruto to explain why he continues to criticise retired President Uhuru Kenyatta instead of focusing on the opposition politicians expected to challenge him in the 2027 General Election.
Matiang’i made the remarks on Tuesday, October 12, 2026, following Ruto’s comments on Sunday, October 11, accusing Uhuru of supporting opposition politicians.
The 2027 Presidential Aspirant questioned why the President continued to draw his predecessor into political disputes nearly four years after Uhuru left office.
Matiang’i Questions Ruto’s Focus On Uhuru
Matiang’i accused Ruto of repeatedly invoking Uhuru’s name in political debates and using his predecessor to explain challenges facing the current administration.
“Rais anawezaje kuwa anapiga nduru kila siku kuhusu Rais Mustafu ambaye alimaliza kazi yake akaenda?” Matiang’i questioned.
He argued that Uhuru had retired from active presidential duties and was now engaged in international peace initiatives.
“Amestaafu, hana kutoka kwa Jubilee, amestaafu kutoka kwa Azimio, ameenda,” he said.
Matiang’i cited Uhuru’s involvement in African Union peace initiatives concerning the Democratic Republic of Congo as evidence of his continued engagement in regional diplomacy.
He questioned why Ruto was directing criticism at a former president involved in mediation efforts instead of concentrating on his administration’s responsibilities.
Former Interior CS Accuses Ruto Of Shifting Blame
Matiang’i also accused Ruto of repeatedly looking for political figures to blame whenever his administration faced difficulties.
“Unajua ni style ya Mheshimiwa Rais kila wakati kutafuta kisingizio,” he said.
He maintained that the presidency carried responsibilities beyond party politics and called for leadership that recognised all Kenyans, including those who support the opposition.
“Tunaheshimu ofisi ya rais. Kwa katiba yetu ya Kenya, ofisi ya rais ni ofisi kubwa,” Matiang’i said.
He invoked the constitutional role of the President as a symbol of national unity, arguing that the office should represent citizens regardless of their political, ethnic or religious backgrounds.
Uhuru’s Political Influence Remains A Point Of Dispute
Matiang’i’s remarks add to the political exchanges between Ruto and opposition figures as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Although Uhuru left the presidency in 2022, his perceived influence in opposition politics continues to feature in political debate.
Ruto’s latest remarks about Uhuru’s alleged support for opposition politicians have renewed questions about the former president’s role in the emerging political contest.
