Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged retired President Uhuru Kenyatta to stay above active politics and instead use his experience to guide the country as a statesman.
Kindiki made the remarks on Saturday, August 22, during a Mt Kenya East Grassroots Leaders event at Kinoru Stadium in Meru town, days after President William Ruto renewed his criticism of his predecessor.
“We are asking our retired president, Uhuru Kenyatta, to continue being a statesman who counsels the country because he is the only retired president. We don’t want him to be misused in politics that incite and divide the country,” Kindiki said.
DP Kindiki Tells Uhuru to Stay Out of Active Politics, Protect His Legacy
He warned against Uhuru being drawn into partisan political activities, saying this could damage the legacy he built during his time in office.
“As a retired president, he should be there as our go-to leader who can help the country. We can’t afford him to be used by characters who want to advance their partisan things and soil his legacy,” he added.
Kindiki said retirement from public office should be viewed as an opportunity to provide guidance based on experience.
“When you retire from work, that is a big honour. It is like being a family man who now watches over his family and children because he has a lot of experience,” he said.
Also Read: Kindiki Reveals Secret Night Meetings With Gachagua Before His Impeachment
Ruto Intensifies Attacks on Uhuru
Kindiki’s remarks followed renewed criticism of Uhuru by President William Ruto, who has accused his predecessor of financing opposition politicians to undermine his administration.
Speaking to residents in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, on Thursday, Ruto questioned Uhuru’s record in government and accused him of backing efforts to remove the current administration from power.
“When you assess those people, their sponsor failed when it came to affordable housing. He failed on universal health coverage. He failed when it came to educating our children,” Ruto said.
Ruto claimed Uhuru had now turned to political proxies to challenge his administration.
“Now he has gone to organise his proxies and is sending people here to compete with me. I will defeat these people early in the morning. Have you heard their vision or policies? Those men have no plan, policy, agenda or even sense,” he added.
Also Read: Uhuru Responds to Reports He Rejected Gachagua’s Repeated Meeting Requests
The President also challenged opposition leaders to present policies and a record that voters could assess instead of relying on political slogans.
“Every leader is judged by the work they have done. No one will come here and deceive us with slogans such as ‘one term’ and ‘must go’, and then expect us to give them the job. That is foolishness,” Ruto stated.
His remarks came on the back of accusations by a section of Kenya Kwanza leaders that Uhuru is financing the Linda Mwananchi movement and the overall Opposition.
Kalonzo Defends Uhuru
The latest exchange comes as opposition leaders continue to defend Uhuru against attacks over his political associations.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has urged President William Ruto to stop what he described as unnecessary attacks on the fourth President and allow him to enjoy his retirement.
Kalonzo said Uhuru had earned the respect accorded to former heads of state and should not be dragged into political fights because of his association with the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition.
Speaking during a church service at Redeemed Gospel Church in Kithimani Township, Machakos County, on Sunday, August 16, 2026, Kalonzo also asked Uhuru to consider stepping aside from his role as Azimio chairman if his position was being used as a reason to target him
“I have myself said, if Ruto is attacking Uhuru because he is chair of Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, I have advised him to leave that position so that you don’t throw mud unnecessarily at Uhuru Kenyatta,” Kalonzo said.
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