Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has reignited Kenya’s political debate after declaring that many Kenyans are now suffering because they ignored his warnings ahead of the 2022 General Election.
Speaking during a Jubilee Party meeting in Kiambu on Monday, Uhuru said the economic hardships currently facing millions of Kenyans were predictable and had been cautioned against during the fiercely contested succession race that saw President William Ruto rise to power.
“You are crying now because you refused to listen,” Uhuru reportedly told party supporters, in remarks widely interpreted as a direct criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The former Head of State argued that his administration had tried to caution Kenyans about the potential consequences of leadership choices made during the 2022 elections, especially regarding the economy, taxation and the rising cost of living.
Kenya ni ya wote, na pahali unaishi hapo ndipo kwako. Ujifurahie, ujivunie na ukatae kuletewa siasa ya ujinga ambayo haikupeleki pahali popote ~ Jubilee Party leader Uhuru said.
His comments immediately triggered sharp reactions across the political divide, reopening the bitter rivalry between the Jubilee-backed Azimio coalition and President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza alliance.
Return to the political spotlight
Uhuru’s latest remarks mark another sign of his gradual return to active political discourse after months of relative silence following his retirement from office in September 2022.
Since leaving power, the former president has largely focused on regional peace initiatives and international diplomatic assignments. However, recent public appearances suggest he is becoming increasingly vocal about the country’s political and economic direction.
Political analysts say Uhuru appears keen on defending the legacy of his administration amid growing criticism over debt levels and economic challenges inherited by the current government.
The former president had strongly opposed Ruto’s presidential bid in 2022, abandoning his longtime deputy to support opposition leader Raila Odinga under the Azimio la Umoja coalition.
At the height of the campaigns, Uhuru repeatedly warned Kenyans against what he termed “gambling with the future of the country,” remarks that became central to the heated succession battle.
Economic frustrations fuel debate
Uhuru’s comments come at a time of mounting public frustration over the high cost of living, increased taxes and economic pressures facing households across the country.
President Ruto’s government has defended its policies, arguing that painful reforms are necessary to stabilize the economy and reduce dependence on borrowing. Kenya Kwanza leaders have also consistently blamed the previous administration for leaving behind massive public debt and strained public finances.
But Uhuru’s allies insist the current administration can no longer continue blaming past governments nearly four years into office.
The remarks have since sparked intense debate online, with some Kenyans agreeing that the former president’s warnings were justified, while critics accused him of attempting to stage a political comeback ahead of the 2027 elections.
Within Jubilee Party, Uhuru’s renewed visibility is also being viewed as part of broader efforts to reorganize the party and reposition it in the country’s evolving political landscape after suffering major defections following the 2022 polls.
