Deputy president Kithure Kindiki, National Assembly majority leader Aaron Cheruiyot and Farouk Kibet during an event in Wajir on September 27, 2025/DPCS President William Ruto’s close allies have strongly responded to remarks by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, urging him to respect the office of the Head of State and reconsider what they described as unnecessary criticism of the current administration.
Leading the response, Ruto’s long-time aide Farouk Kibet questioned Uhuru’s recent comments.
He suggested the former President had limited standing to advise Kenyans on governance, citing what he viewed as heavy debt and economic challenges during the previous administration.
“Jana nimeona rais mstaafu akiongea na nikashangaa, huyu mtu anaongea kuhusu Kenya gani… Tunataka kumwambia yeye akuwe mungwana,” Kibet said. (Yesterday I saw the retired president speaking, and I was surprised. Which Kenya is this person talking about? We want to tell him to be courteous.)
Kibet, who was speaking during an empowerment programme in Wajir, highlighted what he viewed as Ruto’s key achievements in just three years since taking office.
He pointed to the Presidential Proclamation of February 5, 2025, which removed restrictive procedures affecting Northern Kenya, saying it had strengthened the dignity of residents in the region.
He also cited the construction of the 750-kilometre Mandera–Isiolo highway through Wajir, which is expected to expand trade and integration, alongside the universal health programme and the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP), which he said has created jobs and improved living conditions.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot echoed those remarks, encouraging Uhuru to avoid frequent political commentary.
“Do not behave like a politician coming now and then to criticise the government of the day as if yours had no challenges. Many of the problems we are addressing today arose during your administration,” he claimed.
Taita Taveta MP John Bwire said Uhuru had a moral responsibility to respect the presidency, noting that former Presidents Daniel Moi and Mwai Kibaki did not engage in active politics after retirement.
Other leaders shared similar views, among them Dadaab MP Farah Maalim, who said he believes various sectors are performing better under Ruto’s leadership compared with the previous administration.
“Those who are not happy with how Ruto is transforming the country tunataka kuwaambia washindwe,” Maalim said.
Eldas MP Adan Keynan urged Uhuru to extend courtesy to the current Head of State and give him space to implement his agenda.
“Wewe Uhuru umeheshimiwa sana. Patia heshima Rais Ruto afanye kazi yake. Tunakuombea afya njema uendelee kuona ile transformation ya Kenya. Hata hujatembea North Eastern. Tunakupatia fursa uchukue gari uone kazi nzuri imefanyika… Na heshima si utumwa," he said.
This loosely translates to: “You, Uhuru, have been greatly respected. Give respect to President Ruto so he can do his work. We pray for your good health so you can continue to witness Kenya’s transformation."
“You have not even visited North Eastern. We are giving you the opportunity to take a drive and see the good work that has been done… And respect is not slavery.”
Others present were Wajir Senator Abass Sheikh Mohamed, Mohamed Adow (Wajir South), Fatuma Jehow (Wajir County), Abdirahman Mohammed Abdi (Lafey), Ibrahim Abdul Haro (Mandera South), Major Dekow Barrow (Garissa Township), Jane Kagiri (Laikipia County) and Culture Principal Secretary Umi Bashir.
Speaking Friday at the Jubilee NDC gathering, Uhuru voiced concerns about Ruto’s administration, questioning the direction of national leadership and calling for a return to inclusive, vision-driven politics.
He said the Jubilee Party had remained silent for the past three years but felt compelled to address what he viewed as growing issues.
“Even when we were in the presidency, all the work we did was for everyone, and we did not leave any communities out of the developments,” he said.
“That is the way of improving the lives of Kenyans. This issue of saying this party is for this community—let’s have a party that brings everyone together because of the vision.”
