The backlash followed Kenyatta’s fiery address at the Jubilee Party’s National Delegates Conference on Friday, where he accused the current administration of undermining democratic institutions and mismanaging the country’s affairs.
In response, Ruto-aligned lawmakers dismissed his remarks as dishonest and politically motivated.
“We passed a Bill for the retirement benefits that a former president will get. If Uhuru Kenyatta continues with what he is doing, we will repeal the Bill and scrap the benefits he is receiving.”
Under the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act of 2003, Kenyatta is entitled to a tax-free lump sum of Sh39.6 million, a monthly pension of Sh1.32 million, a furnished office, vehicles, and medical cover.
However, the law stipulates that a retired president must relinquish party leadership within six months of leaving office, a condition Kenyatta has defied by retaining control of Jubilee and remaining active in the Azimio coalition.
In his speech, Kenyatta justified his continued involvement, alleging a government-backed plot to hijack Jubilee Party leadership.
“I handed over the reins of the state peacefully and expected the same for our party. But they sent people to steal it. That is why I stayed on,” he said.
His remarks have reignited debate over the role of retired presidents in partisan politics, especially as the opposition begins to regroup ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ruto’s allies also sought to link Kenyatta to Kenya’s economic woes, citing debt-heavy projects like the Eurobond and stalled infrastructure initiatives. Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda was particularly scathing:
“He failed to deliver Kenyans to the Promised Land. He has no moral authority to lecture President Ruto. He ruined the economy, and we’re still cleaning up after him.”
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi echoed similar sentiments, urging Kenyatta to adopt the quiet dignity of a retired statesman. Sudi warned that Kenyatta was “past his sell-by date in electoral politics” and risked another public defeat.
The exchange marks a sharp escalation in hostilities between the two leaders, signaling a turbulent road ahead as Kenya inches closer to the 2027 general election.
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