Former President Uhuru Kenyatta arriving at the delegates' meeting. He was received by his deputy Dr Fred Matiangi
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged leaders to engage in dialogue if they are keen to address the country’s challenges.
The former president said Kenya’s problems require collective effort rather than political blame games.
Speaking on Monday during the Jubilee Party delegates meeting held at Kiambu Golf Club, Uhuru said leaders should prioritise dialogue and cooperation in finding solutions to the issues affecting citizens.
He added that national challenges cut across political and ethnic lines and therefore demand unity of purpose among leaders.
“Do not talk about tribalism and other things. If you want us to help solve the problem, then reach out; we solve, but blaming others will not work. Let us sit together and solve. When the country has a problem, it involves all of us,” Uhuru said.
Uhuru said many families are struggling to survive as a large share of their income is consumed by basic expenses such as transport, rent and food.
He argued that the economic pressure facing citizens cannot be solved through political rhetoric or blame games but requires practical engagement and collective action.
The former president illustrated the burden facing low-income earners, saying some households earning about Sh20,000 spend nearly half of it on transport costs linked to fuel prices, with a further significant portion going to rent.
“The issue is simple; Kenyans are complaining because of the high cost of living. They are earning Sh20,000; from this over Sh800 goes to fuel for matatu transportation, and Sh12,000 goes to rent. The remaining Sh2,000 is supposed to buy food and take children to school,” he said.
Uhuru said the situation leaves families with very little disposable income, warning that ordinary citizens are being pushed into deep financial distress.
On May 2, Uhuru slammed critics calling on him to retire from politics, insisting that he has a constitutional right to remain active and defend his political party.
The former President dismissed claims that he should stay silent, questioning why similar demands were not made of past leaders.
“When I speak one or two things, I am told I have retired and should go home. Why didn’t they tell Moi to retire and go home?” he posed.
The former President maintained that although he is not seeking any elective position, he remains firmly rooted in party politics as a member of the Jubilee Party.
“I am in active politics, but I am not looking for any seat. I have a right to defend my political party and stand with it. I am a member of Jubilee by blood,” he said.
The retired President also drew parallels with global political figures, citing former United States President Barack Obama as an example of retired leaders who continue to support their political parties.
“If you go to America, people like Obama are still defending their parties. Is it true or not true?” he posed to the crowd.
In a message to his critics, Uhuru questioned attempts to restrict his public engagements, including attending social functions and interacting with allies.
“Why do they keep telling me I can’t speak? I can’t go to a wedding, attend a funeral of a friend, or visit a friend?” he asked.
“Ati ninyamaze kama bubu, na kuna macho naona na nina maskio naskia."
