Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has called for an immediate halt to what he terms sustained attacks on retired President Uhuru Kenyatta by leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration, warning that the trend is fueling unnecessary political tension and undermining constitutional principles.
In a statement, Muturi accused sections of the ruling coalition of engaging in what he described as reckless and targeted political messaging against the former Head of State, saying the attacks amount to an attempt to silence him and limit his rights as a citizen.
“The sustained and increasingly hostile attacks directed at Rtd President Uhuru Kenyatta by leaders within the Kenya Kwanza administration must come to an immediate end,” Muturi said.
He argued that the continued criticism of Uhuru is not only politically motivated but also inconsistent with democratic values that protect freedom of expression and participation in public affairs, even for retired leaders.
“These actions are reckless, unnecessary, and represent a direct affront to constitutional democracy,” he said. “They are a calculated attempt to silence a former Head of State and curtail his political rights that are guaranteed to every Kenyan.”
The statement comes at a time when Uhuru Kenyatta has come under renewed scrutiny over his participation in Jubilee Party affairs and public political commentary.
Kenya Kwanza leaders have accused him of indirectly supporting opposition activities and interfering with the current administration.
The situation escalated further after Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei tabled a proposal in the Senate seeking to withdraw Uhuru’s retirement benefits, arguing that his continued involvement in politics makes him ineligible for state privileges.
The proposal has sparked sharp reactions from political leaders across the divide.
Muturi dismissed the arguments being advanced by Kenya Kwanza leaders, saying they reflect a narrow understanding of global democratic practice.
He noted that retired presidents in many countries continue to engage in public and political life without being subjected to intimidation or punishment.
“What is even more troubling is the narrow and misguided framing by some of these leaders, who reduce this matter to a purely domestic issue,” he said. “Across Africa and the world, retired leaders remain active participants in national and global affairs.”
He cited examples of former leaders such as Jakaya Kikwete, Bakili Muluzi, Jacob Zuma, Festus Mogae, Nawaz Sharif, and others, saying they continued to play influential roles after leaving office.
He added that Uhuru Kenyatta should not be treated differently.
Muturi also accused Kenya Kwanza of political intolerance, warning against what he described as attempts to interfere with the affairs of other political formations. He insisted that political competition should not be used to target individuals or parties.
“No political formation has the right to dictate the leadership, alliances, or internal affairs of another,” he said. “We do not choose partners for them, and they will not choose partners for us.”
In a direct statement, Muturi further suggested that President William Ruto is aware of the ongoing attacks on Uhuru Kenyatta and should take responsibility for curbing them.
He claimed the criticism is being driven by political operatives acting on behalf of senior figures within government.
“We know that you, Mr President William Ruto, are behind the continued deployment of your proxies to attack and vilify H.E Uhuru Kenyatta,” he said. “We therefore call on you to immediately rein in your operatives and restore order within your ranks.”
He also defended Uhuru’s retirement benefits, citing Article 151(3) of the Constitution, which protects the entitlements of former presidents from being altered to their disadvantage.
Muturi warned that any attempt to undermine these provisions would be unconstitutional.
By targeting Uhuru Kenyatta, Muturi said, Kenya Kwanza risked setting a dangerous precedent of political intimidation and constitutional disregard. He insisted that such efforts would not succeed.