Justin Muturi Demands End to Attacks on Uhuru Kenyatta, Accuses William Ruto of Using Proxies

Democratic party Leader Justin Muturi has strongly condemned what he described as sustained and politically motivated attacks against former President Uhuru Kenyatta by individuals linked to the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration, warning that the trend threatens democratic principles and political tolerance in the country.

In a statement shared through his social media platforms, Muturi criticised the public remarks and repeated criticism directed at the retired Head of State, terming them reckless, unnecessary, and unconstitutional. According to the former National Assembly Speaker, the attacks undermine the dignity of the presidency and erode the democratic culture that allows differing political opinions to coexist peacefully.

“The continued and increasingly aggressive attacks on retired President Uhuru Kenyatta by leaders within the Kenya Kwanza administration must stop immediately,” Muturi said. “Such conduct is not only unfortunate, but also amounts to a direct affront to constitutional democracy and the values upon which our nation is founded.”

Muturi argued that retired presidents deserve respect regardless of political differences, adding that attempts to publicly vilify former leaders set a dangerous precedent for the country’s democratic future. He maintained that criticism should focus on policy and governance rather than personal attacks aimed at humiliating political opponents.

The Democratic Party leader also rejected what he termed as efforts by some leaders within government to dictate the role retired presidents should play in public affairs after leaving office. He noted that in many established democracies around the world, former heads of state continue to participate in public discourse, diplomacy, governance debates, and peace-building initiatives.

“Kenya is not isolated from global democratic traditions,” Muturi said. “Across the world, retired leaders continue contributing to national and international conversations, offering counsel and sharing their experience for the benefit of society.”

According to Muturi, former leaders possess institutional memory and political experience that can still be valuable in addressing national challenges. He warned that attempts to silence or isolate them could weaken democratic institutions and discourage open political engagement.

He further accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of fostering intolerance against dissenting voices and individuals perceived to hold opposing political views. Muturi claimed the current political climate is increasingly becoming hostile to critics, opposition figures, and former state officials who express views different from those of the ruling administration.

“No political formation has the right to dictate the leadership, alliances, or internal affairs of another political movement,” he said. “Democracy thrives when citizens and leaders alike are free to express themselves without intimidation or fear of persecution.”

Muturi called for civility and maturity in political engagements, urging leaders to move away from divisive rhetoric and instead focus on addressing issues affecting ordinary Kenyans. He said the country is currently grappling with serious economic and social challenges that require collective effort and constructive leadership.

“Kenya deserves mature, issue-driven leadership,” he stated. “Our politics should focus on the economy, unemployment, the cost of living, healthcare, education, and opportunities for young people—not endless political vendettas, intimidation, and propaganda.”

The former Attorney General also directly linked the attacks on Uhuru to President William Ruto, alleging that the criticism is being orchestrated from the highest levels of government through political allies and supporters.

“We know that you, Mr President William Ruto, are behind the continued deployment of your proxies to attack and vilify H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta,” Muturi claimed. “As the leader of the country, you have a responsibility to rein in those engaging in divisive politics and ensure respect for democratic institutions.”

Muturi argued that the current administration should avoid blaming the former President for ongoing governance and economic challenges facing the country. Instead, he said leaders currently in office must take responsibility for their policies and decisions.

“Leadership demands accountability, not scapegoating,” he said. “Those entrusted with governing the country must focus on delivering solutions rather than shifting blame to previous administrations.”

His remarks come amid heightened political tensions between allies of President Ruto and supporters of the former President. In recent months, several leaders allied to Kenya Kwanza have publicly criticised Uhuru over his continued involvement in political discussions and his association with opposition figures.

Some leaders within the ruling coalition have accused the retired President of attempting to influence current politics behind the scenes, claims that have further intensified political exchanges between rival camps. However, Uhuru’s allies have defended his right to express opinions on national matters, arguing that retired leaders remain citizens with constitutional freedoms.

Muturi also referenced constitutional protections accorded to retired presidents, warning that any effort to undermine their rights and privileges would be unlawful. He stressed that the Constitution recognises and safeguards the dignity of former heads of state, including their entitlement to security, respect, and participation in public life.

“The rights and privileges granted to retired presidents are protected by law and must be respected by all,” he said. “No individual or institution should attempt to diminish those protections for political convenience.”

Political analysts have observed that the recent exchanges reflect deeper tensions within Kenya’s political landscape, particularly as alliances continue to shift ahead of future political contests. The relationship between President Ruto and his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta has remained strained since the fallout that emerged during the latter years of Uhuru’s presidency.

The once-close political allies parted ways during the 2022 General Election, when Uhuru backed opposition leader Raila Odinga while Ruto successfully campaigned for the presidency under the Kenya Kwanza coalition. Since then, political differences between the two camps have occasionally played out through public statements and criticism by their allies.

Muturi’s latest remarks are likely to fuel further debate over the role retired leaders should play in Kenya’s politics and whether the current administration is doing enough to promote political tolerance. Supporters of Uhuru have increasingly accused Kenya Kwanza leaders of disrespecting the former President, while government allies insist that political leaders should remain open to criticism regardless of their status.

Despite the growing political tensions, Muturi urged leaders across the political divide to embrace dialogue, tolerance, and mutual respect. He warned that divisive politics risk deepening national divisions at a time when many Kenyans are struggling with economic hardships and demanding accountability from leaders.

He said leaders should focus on uniting the country and strengthening democratic institutions rather than engaging in confrontational politics that could undermine public confidence in governance.

“Our responsibility as leaders is to build the nation, protect democratic freedoms, and safeguard national unity,” Muturi said. “Kenya’s future depends on leaders who prioritise service, accountability, and the welfare of citizens above political hostility.”

He concluded by calling on all political actors to uphold constitutional values and ensure that political competition remains respectful and issue-based. According to Muturi, the country’s progress depends on maintaining a democratic environment where differing opinions are tolerated and former leaders are treated with dignity and respect.