Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has defended his continued engagement in Kenyan politics, citing former U.S. President Barack Obama as an example of leaders who remain active in party affairs after leaving office.

He spoke via phone during the Maa Delegates Conference and homecoming celebration for Jubilee Secretary General Moitalel Ole Kenta in Narok County on May 1, 2026.

Uhuru said political participation after leaving office is consistent with democratic practice, noting that former leaders in other countries continue to support their political parties. He stressed that he remains a committed member of the Jubilee Party and has a constitutional right to contribute to political discourse.

Comparison with global political practice

Uhuru pointed to Barack Obama’s continued involvement in supporting the Democratic Party in the United States as an illustration of how former heads of state remain engaged in politics.

“Kwa kweli mimi nina haki ya kutetea chama changu mimi hakuna kiti youote mi natafuta lakini mimi ni mwanachama wa Jubilee kwa hali na mali na damu. Mkienda America, wakina Obama Bado wanatetea vyama vyao kwa nini niambie siweziongea Wala kuchangia chochote? Kila mtu ana haki ya kidemokrasia katika katiba yeti kulinda haki yake.”

He said such participation should not be restricted, arguing that Kenya’s Constitution guarantees freedom of political expression and association for all citizens, including former leaders.

He also questioned why similar expectations are placed on him in Kenya, saying democratic systems allow former leaders to speak and support political formations.

Jubilee mobilisation and grassroots engagement

The remarks were made during a Jubilee Party event that brought together delegates for mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election. The party is strengthening its grassroots structures and reopening county offices in various regions as part of its organisational strategy.

The conference was attended by Jubilee Deputy Leader Fred Matiang’i and Uhuru Kenyatta’s brother Muhoho Kenyatta, who made a rare political appearance. Opposition leaders, including Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and PNU leader Peter Munya, also attended the event.

Uhuru addressed supporters, thanking them for their continued support and urging unity within the party.

“Sisi kama taifa la Kenya tunaheshimu democracy na tunaitaka,” he said, while encouraging leaders to promote their own party agendas rather than interfering in others’ political activities.

Political positioning ahead of 2027

The event is part of Jubilee’s wider mobilisation efforts as political realignments continue ahead of the 2027 elections. The party has been seeking to rebuild its support base through regional engagements and organisational restructuring.

Uhuru’s recent public appearances, including at the funeral of former Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba, have focused on unity and democratic participation. His continued involvement in Jubilee activities signals ongoing engagement in the party’s political direction as preparations for the next election cycle intensify.