Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda has hit back at former President Uhuru Kenyatta following his criticism of President William Ruto’s leadership.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page on Sunday, Jhanda dismissed attempts by Uhuru and ODM leader Raila Odinga to undermine Ruto’s administration, calling them “wild dreams.”
“President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM Leader Raila Odinga, even with the ‘Deep State,’ they couldn’t stop President William Ruto. To think they can oust an incumbent now, separately or together, is pure fantasy,” Jhanda said.
Jhanda, a first-term legislator and staunch Ruto ally, rose to power despite strong Azimio support in Kisii during the 2022 elections. He has consistently defended the president’s policies and dismissed opposition criticism.
His remarks came a day after Kenyatta used the Jubilee Party National Delegates Conference (NDC) at Ngong Racecourse to accuse Ruto of being intolerant to dissenting voices. The former president faulted the government’s handling of the recent Gen Z protests, saying leadership requires dialogue and inclusivity.
“True leadership requires always having an open mind and a listening ear, even to those you disagree with—and especially to the voices of our younger generations,” Kenyatta said.
He further warned against reversing the progress made during his administration, citing the collapse of social programmes like Linda Mama, which he said had been replaced with untested policies.
The political clash highlights the lingering rift between Uhuru and Ruto, once allies in the 2013 and 2017 elections. Their fallout ahead of the 2022 polls saw Uhuru endorse Raila Odinga, a move that deepened Kenya’s political divisions.
With both leaders now trading words in public forums, the rivalry underscores the continuing tension between the current administration and its critics.
