ODM’s Director of Communications, Philip Etale, has weighed in on retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s surprise appearance.
At a Jubilee Party town hall meeting in Murang’a County, where he was seen campaigning for former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i.
The former president’s presence at the grassroots meeting has sparked widespread political debate, drawing both admiration and criticism across Kenya’s political divide.
Etale, known for his sharp political commentary, praised the retired president for taking an active role in grassroots mobilization.
Noting that this level of engagement is a welcome development in Kenya’s political culture.
“This is very good. In fact, I applaud this initiative; that he is personally canvassing for his project,” Etale remarked.
The seasoned communication strategist, however, did not shy away from pointing out the irony of Uhuru’s current activism.
He reminded Kenyans that during the 2022 general election when Uhuru wielded full presidential power .
He was conspicuously absent from the campaign trail in his Mt. Kenya backyard.
Uhuru’s active involvement in Murang’a comes at a time when Jubilee Party is seeking to reassert itself under new leadership and rebuild its grassroots network.
His open endorsement of Dr. Matiang’i, who is reportedly being positioned as Jubilee’s potential 2027 presidential candidate.
Reignited debate over the former president’s continued influence in national politics despite being a retired statesman.
It also places him at odds with sections of the Kenya Kwanza government that have previously accused him of breaching the constitution.
Engaging in partisan politics while receiving state benefits.
Philip Etale’s comments encapsulate the political irony of Uhuru’s reemergence.
A former head of state who once avoided the campaign trail is now boldly facing the public as a civilian politician.
His move, whether strategic or symbolic, has once again placed him at the center of Kenya’s evolving political theatre.
Tags
politics