The Jubilee Party has hit back at President William Ruto over his latest criticism of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing the government of using its predecessor as a political scapegoat instead of addressing the challenges facing Kenyans.
In a press statement on Thursday, August 13, Jubilee Secretary General Moitalel Ole Kenta urged the administration to “let Uhuru Kenyatta be”, arguing that the retired President was entitled to his privacy and political opinions like any other Kenyan citizen.
Kenta's remarks followed Ruto's criticism of his former boss during an address in Eldoret, where the President questioned Uhuru's record in government and accused his political allies of sponsoring opposition forces ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Ruto challenged his opponents to present their record and policy agenda instead of relying on calls for his removal, while also pointing to what he described as shortcomings in Uhuru's administration.
But Jubilee dismissed the President's remarks, arguing that Ruto had been in power for four years and should now be judged on his own record.
"Four years. Four years in office, and still the loudest export of this administration is not roads, not jobs, not the cost of living relief promised at every rally, it is the name Uhuru Kenyatta,” Kenta said.
He argued that the continued focus on Uhuru was an attempt to divert public attention from the government's performance, including the economy, taxation and the rising cost of living.
According to Kenta, a government that has been in office since 2022 cannot continue campaigning against a retired President who left State House at the end of his constitutional term.
“At some point, leadership means answering for your own record, not recycling grievances against your predecessor as a substitute for one,” he said.
Kenta further defended Uhuru's right to express his views as a private citizen, saying the government was free to disagree with the former President but should not blame him for its own performance.
He suggested that the continued political focus on Uhuru demonstrated the former President's enduring influence, particularly as political alliances take shape ahead of the 2027 elections.
“You do not spend four years attacking a private citizen unless his silence would say more than your speeches do,” Kenta said.
The Jubilee official maintained that Kenyans elected the Ruto administration to deliver solutions rather than continue political battles with former leaders.