Kalonzo to Ruto: If Uhuru doesn’t want your Vision 2060 role, leave him alone

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has pleaded with President William Ruto to cease his recent criticisms of former President Uhuru Kenyatta and grant him the respect he deserves post-retirement. Speaking at a church service in Machakos County, Kalonzo reminded Ruto that Uhuru, Kenya's fourth leader, should be held in high regard due to his distinguished service as President from 2013 to 2022.

Kalonzo advised Ruto to step down from his role as Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition chairman if the position was being leveraged to target Kenyatta. He asserted that Uhuru is a statesman who merits dignity and cannot be dragged into political conflicts simply because of his past association. Reflecting on Kenya's political history, Kalonzo cited examples of peaceful transitions of power, including Daniel arap Moi's handover to Mwai Kibaki, as well as Kibaki's support for Uhuru after the latter assumed office.

He also highlighted Kibaki's respect for Uhuru's transition to the presidency, emphasizing that Uhuru similarly honored his predecessor during the 2022 handover ceremony. Kalonzo cautioned that failing to uphold this tradition could jeopardize Kenya's political stability, drawing parallels to Zambia's experience after Kenneth Kaunda's retirement.

He also questioned why Uhuru should be compelled to participate in the new Vision 2060 development plan if he is unwilling to take on a leadership role. Kalonzo defended the ongoing Vision 2030 initiative, which aimed to transform Kenya into a middle-income nation by 2030, noting that shortcomings in the original plan should be addressed in the upcoming Vision 2060 strategy.

He criticized Ruto's economic policies, citing high unemployment and poverty rates, and urged the President to focus on addressing these issues rather than engaging in political disputes involving retired leaders.