- Allies of President William Ruto, including Farouk Kibet, have urged former President Uhuru Kenyatta to step back from politics and honor his retirement
- Farouk accused Uhuru of undermining the current administration, saying his regime left behind debts and fueled tribalism
- Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot had earlier challenged Uhuru, citing past presidents Moi and Kibaki who retired quietly, as Uhuru revives Jubilee ahead of 2027
Allies of President William Ruto have continued piling pressure on former President Uhuru Kenyatta, urging him to step back from politics and concentrate on retirement.
Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, is the latest to criticise Uhuru, claiming the former head of state is attempting to undermine the current administration.
Speaking on Saturday, April 4, at the Ilmelita InkiDONGI/Purko Nyangulo Empowerment event in Narok South, Farouk said Uhuru had re-emerged from retirement portraying himself as a progressive leader whose tenure was the best in Kenya’s history yet his regime did not live up to the expectations of many.
The senator dismissed that narrative, arguing that Uhuru’s leadership left the country in disarray, which his successor is now working to fix.
He pointed to Uhuru’s recent remarks at a funeral where the former president suggested Kenyans made a mistake by electing the current regime, urging them not to repeat it.
Farouk maintained that Uhuru’s administration negatively impacted Kenya’s economy, leaving behind heavy debts, and accused him of pretending to be blameless while advancing tribalism.
“We have seen some leaders embracing tribalism. I am shocked. These Maasais elected the president not to be tribal but to serve them. Why is that after you have retired you don’t want to respect others and allow them to serve. Why do you want to continue preaching tribalism. When he was presided, we trusted that he would serve all Kenyans, we want him to advise the country in his capacity as retired president,” said Farouk.
Earlier, Kericho senator Aaron Cheruiyot advised Uhuru to respect his retirement and avoid political involvement.
He cited the examples of former presidents Mwai Kibaki and Daniel Moi, who, after leaving office, refrained from interfering with their successors.
Read also
Kenyan newspapers review, April 2: Uhuru-Gachagua handshake in offing as 2027 draws closer
Cheruiyot noted that Moi retired in 2002 and allowed Kibaki to govern without disruption, while Kibaki, after leaving office in 2013, withdrew from public life to let Uhuru lead.
He argued that Uhuru should follow the same path, remain calm at home, and stop lecturing Kenyans about mistakes, given the controversies that marked his own tenure.
Uhuru has recently re-engaged in politics, reviving the Jubilee Party ahead of the 2027 elections.
He is believed to be supporting the United Opposition in its bid to challenge Ruto’s re-election.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
