Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has asked retired President Uhuru Kenyatta to avoid being drawn into the political contest ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying his position now demands that he remain a unifying figure.
Kindiki made the appeal on Saturday, August 22, while addressing Mt Kenya East Grassroots Leaders at Kinoru Stadium in Meru town, where he urged Uhuru to use his experience to offer guidance to the country instead of taking part in partisan politics.
He said Uhuru, as Kenya’s only living former head of state, holds a unique position that should be protected from politicians seeking to advance divisive interests.
"We are asking our retired president, Uhuru Kenyatta, to continue being a statesman who counsels the country because he is the only retired president. We don't want him to be misused in politics that incite and divide the country," Kindiki stated.
The Deputy President said Uhuru should remain available as a national figure who can offer counsel on matters affecting the country, rather than become part of political campaigns.
"As a retired president, he should be there us our go-to leader who can help the country. We can't afford him to be used by characters who want to advance their partisan things and soil his legacy," he added.
Kindiki said leaving public office should be viewed as an honour that gives former leaders an opportunity to guide those who come after them.
He compared Uhuru's position to that of a family elder who remains responsible for watching over and advising younger members because of the experience gained over the years.
"When you retire from work, that is a big honour, it is like being a family man who now watches over his family and children, because he has a lot of experience," Kindiki said.
The appeal comes as the political contest ahead of the 2027 election continues to intensify, with President William Ruto repeatedly linking Uhuru to politicians seeking to challenge his administration.
Ruto has accused his predecessor of financing candidates preparing to face him in the next presidential election, claims that have drawn political attention as alliances take shape ahead of the polls.
Speaking in Eldoret on Thursday, August 13, Ruto said Uhuru was supporting politicians who intended to compete against him despite what he described as failures by his former administration.
"When you look at their sponsor, didn't he fail to deliver on Affordable Housing, Universal Healthcare Coverage, and Education? Now he has gone to sponsor his protégés to come and compete with me. I will defeat them early in the morning because they have no plan, agenda, policies or vision," Ruto stated.
Ruto also pushed back against demands by some political leaders that he should serve only one term, describing the calls as being driven by tribalism.
He maintained that his government had shared development across the country fairly and defended its record against comparisons with previous administrations.
Unlike Ruto's sharper attacks, Kindiki framed his message as an appeal for Uhuru to preserve the respect attached to the office of a retired president and remain a source of national guidance.