Matiang’i Defends Uhuru Kenyatta, Slams ‘Pettiness’ Over Retirement Benefits
Politics Updated: 04 May 2026 19:34 EAT
Jubilee Party Deputy Party Leader Dr Fred Matiang'i during a press briefing session at the Jubilee Headquarters in Nairobi
Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i has mounted a strong defence of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, condemning what he described as disrespectful and unnecessary political attacks directed at the former Head of State.
“We will conclude this press conference by the addition to what we have presented in our statement by saying this,” Matiang’i said, setting the tone for a firm response, adding that after his remarks, they would “take one or two questions.”
“There is a time in life you hope that in a serious country like ours, there are things you do not need to spend time on,” he stated, questioning why Uhuru’s retirement benefits and conduct have become subjects of political debate.
Matiang’i pointed to other African nations, noting, “There are retired presidents across the continent. In Nigeria, there are, I think, three or four… in Tanzania… in Botswana… in Mozambique,” adding that “the kind of pettiness that we have seen this weekend… is shocking.”
He stressed that Kenya’s democratic framework guarantees rights for all citizens, saying, “We chose democracy… and it provides an opportunity for all of us to respect freedom of expression and freedom of association.”
Defending Uhuru’s continued political engagement, Matiang’i declared, “Our party leader is going nowhere, and our party leader will continue to express himself. It is his constitutional right.”
He criticised the conduct of some leaders, stating, “The kind of behavior we have seen from elected leaders is shocking,” and called for tolerance, adding, “We must uphold the decency of difference.”
Matiang’i also took issue with the language used against Uhuru, saying, “Even the language that is being used by some of these leaders in reference to President Kenyatta is shocking.”
He contrasted this with Jubilee’s stance, noting, “We will not even allow and encourage our members to use that kind of language against President William Ruto because it’s indecent.”
Calling for civility, he added, “We’re going to build a decent society… that upholds truly the principles of democracy and decency.”
Matiang’i questioned the reaction to Uhuru’s actions, saying, “The retired president makes one phone call and the government screams the whole weekend. What kind of people are these?”
He further cited official data, stating, “The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics… has told us clearly with data and statistics that two-thirds of the stories… are just blatant lies.”
Referring to internal political developments, he said, “On a weekend when senior members of your party are announcing that they will not defend their seats… would you be spending your time insulting your predecessors?”
Matiang’i urged the government to focus on governance, saying, “There’s work to be done… let’s focus on that work and build our country.”
He emphasised Uhuru’s current status, stating, “President Kenyatta is retired… he is going to be a member of Jubilee… leave him alone. Let him carry on with his businesses.”
Raising security concerns, he said, “There are places in this country… suffering from cattle rustling… and you are spending all your time insulting the retired president.”
He warned against political intolerance, adding, “We are not going to walk down that hole… with people insulting others for no apparent reason.”
Matiang’i questioned the broader implications, asking, “What is going to happen when we have two, three, or four retired presidents?”
Drawing global comparisons, he noted, “In the US… President Clinton… President Obama… they campaign for their candidates, and the world has not come to an end.”
He criticised narrow political thinking, saying, “Some people whose worldview is essentially a village view… are now busy insulting President Kenyatta.”
Addressing citizens directly, Matiang’i posed, “Do you want another five years of this arrogance and self-destructive hubris?”
He added, “What are we telling our children?… That that is the kind of country we want to have?” urging reflection on national values.
On shifting political alliances, he said, “We welcome them… because they are fellow Kenyans… those who are inside… are fleeing it,” referring to defectors joining Jubilee ranks.
Turning to policy, Matiang’i criticised the Finance Bill 2026, stating, “Mitumba traders will be taxed… I don’t know where they live… they live in some alternative universe.”
In his closing remarks, he urged optimism and civility, saying, “Fellow Kenyans, don’t lose hope… we will engage with them in respect… and finally, let us expose the decency of difference.”
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FELIX MAKONA
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