Kaluma Demands Retired Leaders Step Back, Cautions Uhuru, Mutunga and Maraga

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has reignited debate on the role of retired leaders in Kenya, challenging former President Uhuru Kenyatta and ex-Chief Justices Willy Mutunga and David Maraga to rise above politics and serve as elder statesmen.

In a statement on X, Kaluma questioned the wisdom of former leaders engaging in political rivalry with the government of the day. 

He faulted Kenyatta for comparing his administration’s policies, such as the Linda Mama programme, with President William Ruto’s reforms under the Social Health Authority. Kaluma dismissed such comparisons as misleading and divisive.

Turning to the judiciary, the legislator criticized Mutunga and Maraga for what he described as abandoning the dignity of retired judicial officers. 

He accused Mutunga of drifting into activism and expressed concern that Maraga’s declared intention to run for president in 2027 undermines the moral authority expected of former chief justices.

Kaluma argued that the country needs past leaders to act as unifying figures, offering guidance and wisdom rather than entering the competitive arena. 

He also extended his criticism to some former Cabinet Secretaries, accusing them of attempting to reinvent themselves as human rights defenders despite what he termed as “tainted” records in office.

The MP’s remarks are likely to fuel ongoing discussions about the boundaries of public engagement for retired leaders. 

While supporters of Kenyatta, Mutunga, and Maraga argue that their voices remain vital in strengthening democracy and accountability, critics like Kaluma maintain that their conduct risks eroding respect for institutions and destabilizing governance.

The debate emerges as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections, where questions of legacy, influence, and leadership transition are expected to dominate the conversation.