Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s declaration to follow Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s lead is likely to emote reactions from the government, especially after recent attacks on his family.
On Saturday, February 11, Kenyatta reiterated that Odinga was his party leader and that he was not tired even though retired.
In a pushback against President William Ruto’s government, the former Head of State indicated that the government must deliver its promises to all Kenyans, noting that all citizens had the right to development projects.
Kenyans.co.ke sought the opinion of political and governance experts to expound on the former president's stance.
Dr Jane Thuo, a communication specialist and lecturer at the University of Nairobi, stated that it was Kenyatta’s democratic right to support whoever he wished while cautioning the government against deviating from its obligation to Kenyans.
“He doesn't need any permission from anyone to exercise that right. Kenya Kwanza should just do what they were elected to do: serve Kenyans, and should stop this fascination with Uhuru and Raila,” she opined.
Thuo added that recent political activities were similar to what Ruto did during Kenyatta’s term as President.
“The President carried out parallel political activities when he was the deputizing Kenyatta and should not think that this wouldn't happen now that he's in power.
“He just needs to focus on his agenda and in the process win the hearts of Kenyans. He just needs to address the needs in a very sensitive and emphatic manner,”
Martin Andati, a political analyst, on the other hand, indicated that Kenyatta’s statements during former Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha's funeral were a fightback after attacks on his family and the stagnation of the peace process he currently leads.
“The worst the government can do is to deny him his retirement benefits which would not really affect him as he is a wealthy man,” he opined.
Andati also remarked that Kenyatta was in a way protesting frustrations from the government.
“Reduction of his security detail and the setbacks he has been subjected to in the peace process through the cancellation of contracts of his advisors could have made him come out to acknowledge Odinga,”
Andati further stated that Kenyatta would not allow his party Jubilee to be cannibalised.
“The attacks going forward are going to be nasty between the government and Kenyatta as the battle lines have been drawn,
“Kenyatta will not allow Ruto’s onslaught in his party. As much as the majority of the elected MPs are aligned with Ruto he will still want to bring order to the party,”
Andati however stated that the loss of the MPs would dent his credentials as he would only be left with the membership,”
With the Jubilee party being at crossroads as to whether they are in government or in opposition, former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu asked Kenyatta to define the party's position.
"To my dear Party Leader Uhuru Kenyatta, if you are still interested in the Jubilee Party, please step up sir and provide direction," Wambungu indicated in a statement released on Sunday, February 12.
Wambugu also called for a party meeting to brainstorm on the position they found themselves in.
"Convene Jubilee National Executive Council (NEC) with party SG Jeremiah Kioni and include MPs, Kanini Kega, SabinaChege, etc, and let us have a candid discussion that serves the party's best interest and provide one direction,"
In his statement, Wambugu urged Kenyatta to be forthright with his decision.
"And boss; if you are no longer interested in Jubilee please let us know so that we plan our political future," he pleaded.
Wambugu's request to the former head of state comes in the background of Ruto's meeting with Jubilee legislators who pledged allegiance to his government.
The MPs would later on Friday, February 10 suspend the party's Vice Chairperson David Murathe and Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni over what was termed as 'gross misconduct.'
