Uhuru faults Ruto government for abandoning Jubilee projects

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Former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday accused President William Ruto’s administration of abandoning most projects launched during his tenure.

He said as a result, Kenyans are now being subjected to “experiments” in key sectors of the economy and public life.

Speaking at the Jubilee Party Special National Delegates Conference (NDC) at Ngong Racecourse, Mr Kenyatta said flagship initiatives that were meant to improve the lives of ordinary Kenyans had either stalled or been discarded altogether.

 He cited programmes such as Linda Mama, aimed at supporting expectant mothers, and major infrastructure projects including the Lamu Port, Kisumu Port and expansion of electricity connectivity, which he said were left to wither despite their importance to national development.

“Many of the projects we initiated have been abandoned. Instead, we are seeing experiments in areas too important to be toyed with, from health to education and the economy. This is not what Kenyans deserve,” Mr Kenyatta told delegates.

The former president described the NDC as a turning point for Jubilee, saying the party had survived turbulent months of wrangles and court battles thanks to loyal members who stood firm. 

“We are grateful to those who refused to let Jubilee collapse. Today we are stronger because of your commitment,” he said.

Mr Kenyatta declared that Jubilee would now chart its course afresh, guided by members rather than external influence, and called for unity across the opposition coalition Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya. 

“This is not just about Jubilee. It is about standing together to serve Kenyans,” he noted.

The meeting, attended by more than 2,000 delegates, ratified resolutions reaffirming Mr Kenyatta as Party Leader, Jeremiah Kioni as Secretary General and David Murathe as Vice Chair. 

The delegates also endorsed a push for opposition unity ahead of the 2027 elections and pledged to resist what they termed attempts by the government to weaken parties allied to Azimio.

Mr Kioni told members that Jubilee had been the target of “relentless political sabotage” but said the NDC restored order and clarity. 

“We are now ready to move forward with a common agenda and to defend our people against bad policies,” he said.

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i praised the delegates for standing their ground.

He said the opposition must remain vigilant as the government struggles with the high cost of living. 

Deputy Organising Secretary Pauline Njoroge and former MP Wanjiku Kibe also urged members to focus on grassroots mobilisation to rebuild Jubilee’s strength nationwide.

Mr Kenyatta, who was accompanied by his son John Jomo Kenyatta, closed the session by calling for solidarity across the opposition. 

“Let us not allow ourselves to be divided. Let us stand firm as Jubilee, as Azimio, and as Kenyans committed to a better future,” he said.

The NDC ended with cheers from delegates, signalling a renewed determination within the former ruling party to reclaim its political space as debates on succession politics gain momentum.