National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has sparked debate after openly criticising former President Uhuru Kenyatta over what he described as continued involvement in Kenya’s day-to-day political affairs.

Speaking during an interview with NTV on Tuesday, December 31, Ichung’wah questioned whether the former Head of State had fully come to terms with the outcome of the 2022 General Election.

The Kikuyu MP argued that Uhuru, having served two terms as president, should now focus on a unifying elder statesman role rather than active political engagement.

According to Ichung’wah, former presidents carry a unique responsibility to rise above partisan politics for the sake of national cohesion.

“When you have had the honour of serving as president for ten years, retirement elevates you to the level of a statesman,” he said, warning that frequent involvement in daily political battles risks diminishing that stature.

Ichung’wah suggested that Uhuru had not fully accepted the reality that his former deputy, President William Ruto, won the 2022 presidential race despite their political fallout.

He claimed the former president had made the rivalry personal and now appeared focused on undermining the current administration rather than supporting national progress.

“Unfortunately, when I look at President Uhuru Kenyatta, I see someone who is yet to heal from the 2022 election,” Ichung’wah remarked.

The Majority Leader revealed that discussions had taken place within government circles about reaching out to Uhuru in the spirit of national unity, acknowledging that broad cooperation would be necessary to move the country forward.

However, he concluded with a sharp assessment, urging the former president to place the country’s interests above personal or political rivalries.

“Kenya is bigger than any individual—bigger than Uhuru Kenyatta and bigger than William Ruto,” he said.

Since leaving office in 2022, Uhuru has remained politically active through his leadership of the Jubilee Party, engagement with opposition coalitions and public commentary on governance matters. He has also continued to play regional mediation roles across Africa.

Ichung’wah’s remarks come amid growing debate over the role former presidents should play in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.