By Bonface Mulyungi

Jubilee party has come out guns blazing to defend former President Uhuru Kenyatta from attacks from leaders allied to the governing UDA party.

The party says it is alarmed by statements from some politicians threatening to have Mr Kenyatta’s retirement benefits withdrawn for criticism of his successor, Ruto.

“We are particularly concerned, and indeed alarmed by reckless statements from certain political actors threatening punitive action against the former President, including the suggestion that his retirement benefits could be withdrawn,” reads a statement from the party.

In a letter signed by Narok North MP Moitalel Ole Kenta, the party took umbrage with President Ruto for the attacks on his predecessor as a way of securing a second term.

“Retirement benefits for former Presidents are not political favours to be granted or withdrawn at will. They are legal entitlements grounded in law, designed to preserve the dignity of the office and to ensure continuity and stability within our system of governance,” said Ole Kenta.

The brouhaha started after Mr Kenyatta, who is also the Jubilee party leader, attacked the government over failures to govern and lack of development, and this was met with scathing attacks from UDA leaders.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and MP Joseph Cherorot recently warned of a plan to revoke Uhuru Kenyatta’s benefits because of his comments criticising the government.

They asked Mr Kenyatta to be like his predecessors, Daniel Moi and Mwai Kibaki, who retired and did not criticise their successors.

“Sisi wakenya si wajinga, wachana na mambo ya chama, kama bado unataka kupata ile benefits ya serial… tukiwa bunge tutaleta mswada hiyo pesa yake ambaye anapata kutoka serikali, tutaondoa…” said MP Cherorot.

As for Mr Cheruiyot, he blasted the former head of state, telling him to “behave” like his predecessors.“The late President Moi, when he retired in 2002, he went to his farm in Kabarak and never bothered to do the silly monkey games you are doing today.

When Kibaki went on retirement, he respected the office that the people of Kenya had given him; he peacefully rested in his home,” said an angry Cheruiyot.

He went on.“What is so special about you that after 10 years of presidency, instead of relaxing and respecting yourself, you are here addressing people all over the country as if there is anything special you did when you were president of Kenya…”

Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, also jumped on the attack train, criticising Mr Kenyatta and calling on him to accord President William Ruto the respect befitting the office.

Ruku noted that President Ruto remained loyal and respectful throughout his time as Deputy President, and questioned why the same courtesy was not being extended now.

“When Uhuru was president, Ruto respected him fully as Head of State. His current posture does not reflect the same respect for the presidency. Why can’t he reciprocate?” posed Ruku.

But Jubilee sees it another way. The party believes this is not an isolated reaction but part of a sustained pattern.

“From the very first day this administration assumed office, it has sought to construct a political narrative anchored not in its own vision or delivery, but in the constant invocation of H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta as a point of blame, distraction, and deflection. Every challenge becomes his legacy,” reads a statement.

“Every failure is conveniently projected backwards. Every unmet promise is explained away by invoking his name. This approach is not only intellectually lazy; it is politically dishonest.” The statement added.

The party defends Mr Kenyatta, saying his remarks were not incendiary nor divisive but were grounded in the lived realities of millions of Kenyans.

“The fixation on Uhuru Kenyatta must be understood. It is not about him. It is about the failure to confront present realities. Such statements are not only constitutionally untenable; they represent a dangerous erosion of the respect and dignity accorded to the Office of the President, both past and present,” reads the statement signed by the Jubilee Secretary General.