Jubilee dares Ruto to confront Uhuru as political row deepens
By Peace Muthoka
The Jubilee Party has challenged President William Ruto to address his differences with former President Uhuru Kenyatta directly, instead of speaking through allies.
Speaking on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the party headquarters, Secretary General Montalel Ole Kenta said the President should come out and respond in person if he has concerns over Uhuru’s activities.
“I would like to challenge President William Ruto to come out himself and address this issue instead of using sidekicks,” Ole Kenta said during a press briefing attended by senior party officials.
He insisted that the Head of State has a duty to protect his predecessor from attacks by leaders close to him. Ole Kenta added that Ruto would expect the same respect once he leaves office.
The dispute intensified after Uhuru addressed Jubilee members in Narok on May 1 during Ole Kenta’s homecoming event. The party questioned why the former President was being criticised for engaging members of the same party he used during his 2017 re-election campaign.
As the debate grew, presidential aspirant Fred Matiang’i came to Uhuru’s defence. He accused some government leaders of lowering the tone of public discourse and shifting focus from urgent national issues.
Matiang’i described the attacks as petty and unnecessary, saying they reflect poorly on the country’s leadership.
Over the weekend, some leaders allied to the ruling side asked Uhuru to stay out of active politics and focus on his retirement. Others went further and threatened to push for the withdrawal of his benefits as a retired Head of State.
Uhuru has also faced claims from a section of leaders that he is influencing opposition politics, including alleged links to factions within the Orange Democratic Movement. His allies have dismissed the claims.
Jubilee now says leaders should shift away from personal attacks and focus on respectful engagement as the political temperatures continue to rise.
