Matiang’i hits back at Ruto over attacks on Uhuru, urges him to focus on serving Kenyans

Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i has hit back at President William Ruto over his latest attacks on former President Uhuru Kenyatta, urging the Head of State to focus on governing the country instead of criticising his predecessor.

Speaking during a rally in Kamana, Oloitoktok, Matiang’i said Uhuru had retired from active politics and should be allowed to serve in his roles at the African Union and the East African Community without being drawn into political exchanges.

The former Interior Cabinet Secretary told Ruto to stop revisiting his differences with Uhuru and instead address concerns raised by Kenyans over his administration's performance. 

“Waanzilishi wa nchi yetu walisema that the seat (presidency) is the symbol of unity. Tumefika wakati wa kupanga nchi yetu, umepewa kazi, wachana na maneno ya rais ambaye amestaafu na kupiga nduru kila siku kusema Uhuru hii Uhuru ile," he noted. 

"Rais mstaafu ametoka vyeo vya chama, amekuwa mshauri wa Jubilee, alitoka Azimio, amestaafu kwa hakika. Inastahili rais afanye kazi na kujibu maswali anayeulizwa na wananchi."

The 2027 presidential candidate also challenged the government to respond to questions surrounding the Social Health Authority (SHA), insecurity and ongoing university lecturers’ strikes, saying these issues deserved the President’s attention.

He called for restraint among political leaders, urging them to conduct their campaigns with respect despite their differences.

“Nawaambia wenzangu, ata tukiwa upinzani, huu ni wakati wa kuunganisha nchi yetu, tuwache kulaumiana," he noted.

"Ninawaomba, ata tukiingia katika uchaguzi, tukipingana, tukikosa kuelewana na walio katika serikali, hiyo ndiyo demokrasia. Tukae pamoja sababu nchi yetu inahitaji amani. Tufanye siasa kwa heshima."

Matiang’i was accompanied by People’s Party Kenya (PPK) leader Ndindi Nyoro, Jubilee Secretary General Moitalel Ole Kenta and other leaders during the Oloitoktok rally.

He urged Kenyans to remain at the centre of the country’s political discourse, saying leaders should approach them with humility and respect their role in determining who governs the country.

Ruto has repeatedly accused his predecessor of undermining his administration and reneging on their political understanding, while opposition leaders have continued to challenge the government over its record on the economy, public services and governance.

Matiangi's remarks come barely a day after Ruto labelled Uhuru a conman, accusing him of betraying their political agreement and abandoning him during the 2022 presidential election.

During rallies in Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties on Monday, Ruto claimed he had supported Uhuru's presidential ambitions in 2013 and 2017, only for the former President to oppose his bid for the presidency in 2022.

"Mimi William Ruto nilikupigia kura mara nne. Mimi nilisimama na wewe katika safari yako ya kutafuta uongozi. Nikasimama na wewe 2013, 2017. Wewe ukanitapeli," Ruto said.

"Ukasema miaka kumi ya Uhuru na ya Ruto kumi. Wakati yangu ilifika ukanitapeli, ukanikwepa, ukaambia Wakenya wasinipigie kura."

He added: "Na wale majamaa wanahangaika na Uhuru Kenyatta waniulize mimi. Huyo jamaa ni mtapeli mkubwa sana. Kama alitapeli mimi nilimpigia kura na campaign, si atawamalizia asubuhi?"