Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura has urged former President Uhuru Kenyatta to give President William Ruto space to lead, saying retired heads of state should step back and allow those in office to execute their mandate without interference.
Mwaura emphasized the need for peace and unity, noting that while former leaders play a critical role as mentors, they should avoid involving themselves in the day-to-day functions of the current administration.
Speaking on Monday, Mwaura drew parallels with the United States, citing the example of former US President Jimmy Carter, who he said focused on humanitarian and community work after leaving the White House.
“If a president is retired, it is good he leaves those in office to do their work as required so that we can have peace and unity. If something arises, there should be proper communication to address it,” he said.
“Even in America, when a president leaves office, they retire to go and do other things. Today, I was thinking about former US President Jimmy Carter. When he left office, he went to do community work and helping people. He lived a very long life. That is what should happen for you to be a good mentor within the community.”
Mwaura maintained that constructive engagement, where necessary, should follow established communication channels to avoid undermining governance or national cohesion.
The remarks come days after Uhuru pushed back against critics calling on him to retire from politics, insisting he has a constitutional right to remain active and defend his Jubilee Party.
Speaking via phone during a Jubilee Party event in Narok, Uhuru dismissed calls for his silence, questioning why former leaders before him—including the late President Daniel arap Moi—were not subjected to similar demands.
“When I speak one or two things, I am told I have retired and should go home. Why didn’t they tell Moi to retire and go home?” he posed.
He maintained that while he is not seeking any elective office, he remains an active member of the Jubilee Party and has a right to defend it.
“I am in active politics, but I am not looking for any seat. I have a right to defend my political party and stand with it. I am a member of Jubilee by blood,” Uhuru said.
He also cited former US President Barack Obama as an example of a retired leader who remains publicly engaged, arguing that Kenya should not demand less from its own former heads of state.
However, his remarks have drawn sharp criticism from a section of leaders allied to President William Ruto, who argue that his continued political engagement undermines his stature as a statesman and disrespects the office of the sitting president.
On Monday, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei went a step further, filing a motion in the Senate seeking to stop or reduce retirement benefits for Uhuru. The motion calls on lawmakers to review and potentially revoke the benefits granted under the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act.
Cherargei wants Parliament to revoke, reallocate, or vary the budget relating to the former President’s benefits. He also wants the Auditor General to audit all public resources allocated to Uhuru and submit a report to Parliament within 60 days.
“The House recommends that any funds recovered from benefits previously accorded to the retired President shall be redirected to serve the interests and welfare of the people of Kenya,” the motion states in part.
The move comes in the wake of sustained attacks on Uhuru by Ruto’s allies over his political stance, particularly after Uhuru used a phone call during the Narok event to endorse former Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i for President while hitting out at politicians critical of his continued involvement in politics.
As the political battle lines harden, the dispute raises fundamental questions about the role of retired presidents in Kenya’s democracy—whether they should fade quietly into private life or retain the right to speak, campaign, and organize like any other citizen. For now, both sides show no sign of backing down.
