Jubilee Stands Behind Uhuru, Condemns Political Intimidation

The Jubilee Party has firmly defended its leader, Uhuru Kenyatta, as political tensions escalate following his recent remarks to party delegates in Narok County.
Through a statement delivered by Secretary General Moitalel Ole Kenta, the party accused certain elements of the current administration of trying to silence the former Head of State and politicize his comments, which were made via phone during a delegates’ forum on May 1, 2026.
Ole Kenta stated that the former president’s remarks had been twisted out of context, maintaining they reflected the difficulties confronting ordinary Kenyans rather than serving as provocative political assaults. He wondered why Uhuru’s voice continued to cause unease among government officials, emphasizing that his input to national dialogue is both rightful and essential.
The party maintained that Uhuru’s constitutional right to speak on national matters should not be subject to political intimidation. It cautioned against efforts by certain political figures to jeopardize his retirement benefits, describing such actions as illegal and a dangerous precedent that diminishes the dignity of the presidency.
‘Retirement benefits for former presidents represent legal entitlements, not political favors,’ Ole Kenta declared, noting that any attempt to use them as tools would undermine democratic values and respect for public office.
The Jubilee leadership also criticized what it characterized as a tendency by the current administration to attribute current challenges to past leadership rather than addressing urgent matters like the increasing cost of living, unemployment, and economic instability.
Simultaneously, the party called on President William Ruto to personally address issues related to Uhuru Kenyatta instead of depending on allies to speak on his behalf.
During the press conference, Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i echoed these views, highlighting that the Constitution explicitly specifies how former presidents should be treated, including their benefits and privileges.
Matiang’i cautioned that politicizing such matters threatens national unity and urged leaders to concentrate on governance instead of political conflicts.
Youth leaders within the party also expressed dissatisfaction with the economic situation, accusing the government of ignoring the needs of young people. They pointed to increasing public spending and diminishing opportunities as primary concerns impacting the nation’s future.
Representatives of persons with disabilities and other party officials additionally urged the government to prioritize service delivery, including funding for education, healthcare, and county governments, rather than engaging in political confrontations.
The Jubilee Party reiterated that former presidents worldwide continue to engage in political and public affairs, arguing that Kenya should not depart from democratic standards by limiting Uhuru’s participation.
The statement emerges amid a growing national discussion about the role of retired leaders in politics and proposals by some legislators to reassess benefits assigned to former presidents.
As political tensions intensify, Jubilee leaders affirmed they would continue to defend Uhuru Kenyatta’s constitutional rights and advocated for a more respectful and policy-focused political discourse nationwide.