- Kioni said Uhuru has a constitutional right to be vocal but it is his own personal choice to remain silent.
- He said about 30 to 40 per cent of Kenyans still support the former President.
Image: FILE
Embattled Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has explained why retired President Uhuru Kenyatta is silent in the wake of public uproar over Kenya Kwanza's performance.
Kioni said Uhuru has a constitutional right to be vocal but it is his own personal choice to remain silent.
Speaking on Tuesday, Kioni said that Uhuru is a gentleman and Kenyans may not have understood him.
Kioni said should Uhuru return to public meetings to criticise the government, he would give President William Ruto's administration a "hell of time."
The politician, Uhuru's most trusted political loyalist, said Uhuru will not respond to political and personal attacks by some leaders in the current administration.
"If he was to move around campaigning or agitating for change that would make the country very unstable," he said during an interview at Capital FM.
"There are a lot of attacks on him, insults towards himself and the family and we must commend him for keeping his cool."
However, Kioni said Kenyans should not underestimate Uhuru because he has a following.
He said about 30 to 40 per cent of Kenyans still support the former President.
The retired President has kept off political rallies by opposition leader Raila Odinga despite being the chairperson of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Party Council.
He appeared in Siaya and Kisumu after the burial of former Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha and affirmed his support for Raila but did not speak to the challenges facing Kenyans.
The opposition has been railing against President Ruto's administration for presiding over the escalating cost of living, high commodity prices and reversal of Uhuru's policies including subsidies.
President Ruto's allies have accused Uhuru and Raila of running down the economy and advancing economic policies that protected their business empires at the expense of Kenyans.
However, Uhuru has not directly hit out at the government in power despite the raging public anger over the rising cost of living.
“President Kenyatta is keen on seeing the Kenya Kwanza government serve Kenyans and deliver on their campaign promises,” Kioni said.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has previously accused Uhuru of secretly financing Azimio protests to distabilise the Kenya Kwanza government.
Gachagua had alleged that Uhuru was doing so to run away from paying million in taxes his family businesses owe the government including land rates.
Despite the provocation on taxes, only Uhuru's mother Mama Ngina responded telling the government not to politicise taxation.
Uhuru has been seemingly quiet after he handed power to President William Ruto.
The former President also serves as the Jubilee party leader until 2026.
However, he has been quiet on party matters, with Kioni taking the centre stage. Some party members have since pledged allegiance to Ruto and promised to work with him.