Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has cast himself as both defender of Jubilee’s legacy and a voice of caution to the current President, William Ruto’s government, warning that Kenya risks sliding backwards if gains made over the last decade are discarded.
Addressing delegates at the Jubilee Party’s National Conference at Ngong Racecourse, Nairobi, Uhuru highlighted achievements of his administration—from expanding electricity connectivity and doubling paved roads, to scrapping maternity fees and strengthening national security. He contrasted these milestones with what he called Kenya Kwanza’s “untested experiments” that have left ordinary citizens struggling.
“Linda Mama and other initiatives we built were not experiments—they were lifelines,” Uhuru said, accusing the Ruto government of dismantling effective programs and gambling with unproven reforms. Ruto’s administration has of late been grappling with “SHA”, a social health program introduced to replace NHIF (National Hospital Insurance Fund).
Security and Governance Warnings
Uhuru also cautioned the government against the misuse of state security agencies, saying the system his government strengthened was designed to protect citizens, and not intimidate them. “This machine was built to face external threats, not our own people,” he warned.
On governance, he conceded that corruption dogged his administration, but insisted the cancer remains and must be fought consistently rather than politicized.
Lessons, Youth, and the Future
The former president struck a reflective tone, presenting himself as a political elder offering lessons for a country at a crossroads. “Leadership succeeds when it builds on past gains and fails when it repeats old mistakes,” he said.
He also urged leaders to open their ears to the younger generation, praising Generation Z for their activism and courage: “The same energy and patriotism we saw on the streets—use it to take charge of your destiny.”
Democracy and Party Renewal
In a pointed reminder, Uhuru noted he peacefully handed over power in 2022 despite hostility toward him and his family. “In politics, you cannot be driven by bitterness, anger, or hate. That only distracts from your mission,” he told delegates.
The event signaled not just a defense of Jubilee’s record but also an attempt to rejuvenate the party. Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, a declared 2027 presidential contender, was prominently seated beside Uhuru, underscoring the gathering’s political weight.
