Uhuru Kenyatta. Photo/Courtesy
Political scientist Mutahi Ngunyi has fired a sharp warning at former President Uhuru Kenyatta as the country enters 2026, urging him to maintain the dignity and mystique expected of a retired head of state.
In a pointed message circulated on social media, Ngunyi addressed Uhuru directly:
“Do NOT lose the DIGNITY and MYSTERY of former Head of State. Imagine if Kibaki had ORGANIZED the opposition against you. You will achieve MORE from the SHADOWS. You are becoming RiggyG 2.0. Deplorable!”
The remarks come amid ongoing accusations from some ODM leaders, including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, who claim Uhuru is meddling in party affairs by allegedly funding initiatives to influence ODM’s trajectory ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ngunyi’s warning frames the former president’s political involvement as a potential misstep, cautioning that overexposure could tarnish his legacy.
He compared Uhuru’s current visibility to that of Rigathi Gachagua, the Deputy President, implying that the former president risks diminishing the reverence typically accorded to retired leaders.
The political scientist also extended New Year greetings to ODM members and the GEMA community, noting that restraint and strategic influence from behind the scenes could yield greater impact than active public engagement.
Ngunyi’s remarks have sparked debate online, with supporters arguing that Uhuru’s continued involvement is necessary to guide political allies, while critics insist he should step back and allow new leadership to steer the country.
As Kenya gears up for the 2027 general elections, the tension between retired statesmen’s influence and party autonomy remains a hot topic, with Ngunyi’s blunt message highlighting the fine line between legacy and political overreach.