President William Ruto's renewed attacks on retired President Uhuru Kenyatta have drawn a sharp response from Jubilee Party, which has challenged him to stop looking back at his predecessor and start answering for his own record in government.
Jubilee Secretary General Moitalel Ole Kenta said Ruto's administration has been in power long enough to explain what it has delivered to Kenyans instead of repeatedly accusing a former President who left office in 2022 of backing Opposition activities.
“Let it be said plainly: a government that has been in power for a full term cannot keep campaigning against a man who left office in 2022,” Ole Kenta said.
Jubilee said Uhuru remains entitled to his political views as a Kenyan citizen and should not be blamed for Opposition activities simply because he previously served as President.
The party said the government should now concentrate on issues directly affecting Kenyans, including the cost of living, taxation and employment.
Ole Kenta said the current administration has had sufficient time to build its own record and should no longer depend on criticism of the previous government to explain its political position.
“If retired President Kenyatta’s presence is such a threat, it is only because his record still stands as a mirror this administration would rather not look into,” Jubilee said.
The party's response followed remarks by Ruto in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, where the President accused Uhuru of sponsoring Opposition politics and questioned his record in several areas.
Ruto challenged Uhuru's performance on affordable housing, universal healthcare and education while addressing supporters in the Rift Valley town.
“Mkipima wale watu, ule sponsor wao, alishindwa na maneno ya Affordable Housing? Alishindwa na mambo ya Universal Health Coverage? Alishindwa na maneno ya kusomesha watoto wetu?” Ruto said.
Jubilee rejected the continued political attention given to Uhuru, arguing that Kenyans should instead assess the government currently in office based on its achievements and plans.
The party also rejected suggestions that Uhuru is responsible for current Opposition mobilisation. It said the retired President has continued to speak publicly as a citizen and is exercising rights available to other Kenyans.
The latest exchange comes as political activity gathers pace ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Kenya Kwanza leaders increasingly associating Uhuru with the Linda Mwananchi movement and broader Opposition mobilisation.
Kenya Kwanza leaders have repeatedly claimed that Uhuru is supporting the Opposition, but Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has disputed the allegations, particularly claims that the retired President is financing political activities.
Sifuna said Uhuru's public involvement has largely been about encouraging young people to participate in leadership.
“He does not provide financial assistance, maybe just encouraging us,” Sifuna said during Citizen TV's Explainer on July 28.
Jubilee said the political debate should now move away from a retired President and focus on leaders who are currently making decisions and seeking to shape Kenya's future.
The party maintained that Ruto's administration should be judged by its own performance and plans rather than by continued references to Uhuru's presidency.