NAIROBI, Kenya — Democratic Party Leader Justin Muturi has criticised what he describes as sustained and politically motivated attacks against former President Uhuru Kenyatta, urging leaders allied to the ruling coalition to end what he termed as a “vilification campaign.”
In a statement released Monday, Muturi said the continued criticism directed at the former President by figures linked to the Kenya Kwanza administration undermines democratic norms and the dignity accorded to retired Heads of State.
“The sustained and increasingly hostile attacks… must come to an immediate end. These actions are reckless, unnecessary, and represent a direct affront to constitutional democracy,” he said.
Muturi argued that the attacks are part of a broader political strategy aimed at silencing Kenyatta and deflecting attention from governance challenges facing the current administration.
“They are a calculated attempt to silence a former Head of State and curtail his political rights that are guaranteed to every Kenyan,” he stated.
The former National Assembly Speaker also faulted narratives questioning the role of retired leaders, saying participation in public affairs after leaving office is consistent with democratic practice globally.
“Across Africa and the world, retired leaders remain active participants in national and global affairs,” he said, adding that Kenyatta should be allowed similar space within Kenya’s political landscape.
In a direct address, Muturi accused President William Ruto of enabling the criticism through political allies, calling on the Head of State to rein in his supporters.
“We know that you… are behind the continued deployment of your proxies to attack and vilify H.E Uhuru Kenyatta,” Muturi said.
He further rejected attempts to attribute current governance challenges to the previous administration.
“Leadership demands accountability, not scapegoating,” he noted.
Muturi also referenced constitutional protections for former presidents, arguing that their benefits and privileges should not be subjected to political interference.
“Any attempt to intimidate or undermine this provision is unconstitutional… and unacceptable,” he said.
The remarks come amid heightened political exchanges over the role of retired leaders and their engagement in active politics, particularly as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election.
The statement also follows a recent motion in the Senate seeking to review retirement benefits for Kenyatta over alleged partisan political involvement, signalling an intensifying debate on the boundaries of post-presidential conduct.
Muturi warned against what he described as rising political intolerance, cautioning that such trends risk eroding democratic space and undermining pluralism.
“No political formation has the right to dictate the leadership, alliances, or internal affairs of another,” he said.
He concluded by calling for issue-based politics grounded in accountability and respect for constitutional freedoms, saying Kenya’s democracy depends on tolerance of diverse views and adherence to the rule of law.
