NAIROBI, Kenya — Jubilee Party presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i has sharply criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration over what he termed sustained attacks on retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, warning that the political climate could influence the 2027 elections.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, May 4, Matiang’i questioned the government’s reaction to Uhuru’s recent phone call to Jubilee Party supporters, describing it as exaggerated and politically motivated.
“The retired president made one phone call, and the government screams the whole weekend. The kind of pettiness and primitivity we have seen this weekend in addressing the retired president is shocking,” Matiang’i said.
He argued that Uhuru Kenyatta, who now serves as Jubilee Party leader, remains within his constitutional rights to engage party members, including during a recent outreach in Narok County.
“Our party leader is going nowhere, and he will continue to express himself. In fact, you can go ahead and do what you please,” he added, in a direct challenge to government critics.
Matiang’i also took issue with leaders allied to the ruling coalition, accusing them of disrespecting the former Head of State. He urged them to embrace dignity in political discourse and avoid personal attacks.
“In Kenya, some people whose worldview is essentially a village view are now insulting Uhuru Kenyatta. For those elected leaders who are speaking like they are speaking, please, grow up!” he said.
The Jubilee deputy party leader further described the United Democratic Alliance (UDA)-led government as unstable, pointing to recent political realignments and defections.
He cited the exit of leaders such as Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, suggesting it reflected deeper cracks within the ruling party.
“Who can tell you more about an institution than those who were inside and are now leaving it?” he posed.
Matiang’i framed the ongoing political tensions as a warning sign for voters, urging Kenyans to interpret the attacks on Uhuru as part of broader governance concerns ahead of the next general election.
He also took a swipe at President William Ruto’s upcoming address to the Tanzanian Parliament, suggesting it should reflect diplomatic restraint and respect for former leaders.
“I wish he were exporting good manners there, of respecting retired Presidents and constitutional… at least for once, I hope he will tell them the truth because he is not very famous for telling the truth,” Matiang’i said.
His remarks come amid escalating political exchanges between Kenya Kwanza leaders and Uhuru Kenyatta, who recently criticized attempts to censure his political engagement.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi had accused the former president of harboring resentment toward President Ruto, with other leaders suggesting the possible withdrawal of his retirement benefits.
