You Won't Have Power Forever- Uhuru's Advice To Ruto

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday, July 24 urged President William Ruto to make the most out of his first five years in power amidst the latter's recent clampdown on the former's family.

During a meeting with news editors, Kenyatta warned his successor that having the highest power in the country is a temporary affair that if not used well, can have long-standing consequences on the reputation of the person that wields it.

Furthermore, Uhuru advised Ruto to run the country effectively and leave matters concerning his family alone, arguing that he did his best to hand over power at the end of his 10-year term in 2022.

"My advice to President Ruto is that power is fleeting and temporary, do the best for the country.

"It is your work to run the country, not me even if I did not support you. I did my best and handed over power when my term ended," he stated.

Kenyatta refused to support Ruto’s 2022 presidential bid and instead threw his weight behind Ruto’s competitor and former prime minister Raila Odinga.

Kenya's 4th president also claimed that Ruto has not yet reached out to him since taking over the State House but gladly expressed that he would respond if Ruto was to ever reach out to him, citing instances where he sought the wisdom of his predecessors, the late Mwai Kibaki and Daniel Moi when he was in power.

"On President Ruto, I can’t invite myself to talk with him but if he reaches out to me he is my Prezzo and I will go. I went to Moi and Kibaki regularly to seek advice," he added.

Uhuru also distanced himself from claims that he is funding the anti-government protests called by the opposition Azimio La Umoja coalition, saying, “I am puzzled by claims that I am funding Azimio protest, for what benefit?”

President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and Kenya Kwanza politicians have for several days and several times accused Uhuru of funding the anti-government demonstrations, claims Uhuru has denied.

Uhuru also appealed for the government to keep his mother, Mama Ngina Kenyatta,  out of any political victimization affirming that the benefits she enjoys are not because of being the former president’s mother but as former First Lady.

"I have had to share my security with my mum after they withdrew. We have had to hire private security guards.

"I am not receiving all retirement benefits, some of my staff do not have contracts, they don’t pay allowances to hire office, I fuel the cars. I however receive a pension and I have security," he revealed.

On Friday, July 21, Uhuru was prompted to rush to his son's home in Karen after Jomo called him informing him of officers surrounding his home. He complained that the current government had gone to the extreme that his family was becoming an unwarranted target.

Addressing the media, he stated that despite the consistent public attacks "atop vehicles" at government functions, President Ruto has still not shown any sign that he wants to engage him in a direct private conversation.

“You have a tête-à-tête with somebody who wants to have a tête-à-tête with you.

"He has not shown any indication that he wants to talk to me. As a retired person, why should I look for somebody who doesn’t want to talk to me?” he posed.