Uhuru Kenyatta Faces Fresh Criticism from Kenya Kwanza leaders
By Emmanuel Jumaah
Kenya Kwanza Leaders Step Up Criticism of Uhuru Kenyatta
Kenya Kwanza leaders have stepped up their criticism of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of fuelling political divisions and failing to deliver development to some parts of the country, including the Western region.
President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet has urged residents of Busia to ignore Uhuru and the opposition wing he claims the former president is backing, arguing that it lacks a clear development agenda for the region.
We want to tell the people of Busia that politics of division will not put food on the table. What wananchi want is development, jobs, and opportunities. They should focus on leaders who have a clear agenda for improving their lives rather than being taken back to the politics of the past.”
Kibet made the remarks in Ojaamong village, Teso South, in Busia County during an event to empower boda boda operators in the area.
Migori Senator Eddy Oketch and Innocent Mugabe also weighed in, echoing Kibet’s criticism of the former president and questioning the opposition’s development agenda
"The people of this region have waited for development for a long time. Our focus should now be on what leaders are doing to improve the lives of ordinary Kenyans, including boda boda operators and young people who are looking for opportunities.”
The remarks have drawn a response from leaders allied to Uhuru Kenyatta, who have defended the former president’s right to speak on matters of national leadership and politics.
"The former president and his allies have maintained that political leaders should be allowed to express their views on issues affecting the country. They have also challenged the government to address the concerns being raised by Kenyans rather than turning political debate into personal attacks.”
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has meanwhile called on Uhuru Kenyatta to respect his position as a former president and stop criticising President William Ruto.
Wetang’ula said Uhuru should use his stature as a former Head of State to support the country’s development agenda rather than engage in sustained criticism of his successor.
"Uhuru Kenyatta served this country as president and should respect the dignity and responsibility that comes with being a former Head of State. If there are issues he disagrees with, there are appropriate ways of raising them without constantly attacking the sitting president. " ~ Moses Wetangula
The exchange comes amid renewed political activity in Kenya, with leaders on both sides of the political divide sharpening their rhetoric over the country’s leadership, development priorities, and the direction of opposition politics.
