Gachagua, Matiang’i rally behind Uhuru as UDA allies target to withdraw retirement perks
Jubilee Party presidential candidate Fred Matiang’i has mounted a strong defence of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, condemning what he described as “shocking and indecent” attacks from allies of President William Ruto.
Speaking during a press briefing, the Jubilee Party leader accused government officials of lowering the tone of public discourse and diverting attention from urgent national issues.
Matiang’i said the criticism directed at a retired head of state reflected pettiness and a worrying decline in political decorum.
The remarks come amid escalating tensions following a motion filed by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei seeking to withdraw Kenyatta’s retirement benefits.
Cherargei argues that the former president has violated provisions of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act by engaging in active partisan politics instead of maintaining a neutral, advisory role.
According to the senator, Kenyatta’s public statements and political engagements undermine the dignity of the retired president’s office and call into question the continued allocation of taxpayer-funded benefits.
He has proposed an audit of the resources allocated to Kenyatta, with a report to be submitted to Parliament within 60 days, and possible revocation or variation of those benefits depending on the findings.
However, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has pushed back against the criticism, defending Kenyatta’s right to participate in national discourse. Gachagua maintained that retirement from office does not strip a leader of constitutional freedoms, including freedom of expression and political association.
“Uhuru Kenyatta is our leader. Just because he is retired doesn’t mean his mind is retired,” Gachagua said, dismissing threats to withdraw the former president’s benefits as intimidation.
He further warned that any such move could be reversed in future, hinting at political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu also backed Kenyatta, insisting that he deserves the same freedoms as any Kenyan citizen and pledging to defend him against political attacks.
The dispute was triggered by recent remarks from Kenyatta, who defended his continued involvement in politics, particularly within the Jubilee Party.
He argued that retired leaders globally remain active in public affairs, citing examples from countries such as the United States, where former presidents continue to support their political parties.
Kenyatta insisted that he is not seeking any elective position but retains the right to defend his party and contribute to national conversations.
Matiang’i echoed this position, stressing that Kenya’s constitution guarantees freedoms of expression and association for all citizens, including former heads of state.
He criticised what he termed as overreaction by government leaders, noting that Kenyatta’s recent phone address to Jubilee delegates had sparked disproportionate outrage.
“A retired president makes one phone call and the government screams the whole weekend,” Matiang’i said, questioning the administration’s priorities.
He warned that the language used against Kenyatta risks eroding national values and setting a poor precedent, adding that even opposition figures must uphold respect when addressing the presidency.
Matiang’i also used the moment to criticise the government’s performance, accusing it of masking governance failures through political attacks.
He cited issues such as insecurity, livestock theft, and economic hardship as areas requiring urgent attention.
He further claimed that growing political tensions reflect deeper dissatisfaction among Kenyans, cautioning against what he described as arrogance in leadership.
Jubilee Secretary General Moitalel Ole Kenta supported Matiang’i’s remarks, questioning why Kenyatta’s statements had provoked strong reactions within government ranks.
He warned against attempts to politicise retirement benefits, describing them as legal entitlements rather than discretionary favours.
The Jubilee leadership maintained that Kenyatta remains a central figure within the party and dismissed claims that his political engagement is inappropriate.
They called for a more respectful and mature political environment, urging leaders to focus on governance and national unity rather than personal attacks.
