Uhuru Kenyatta, the former president of Kenya, peacefully handed over power to his successor after his impressive two-term presidency.
But since then, he and his family have faced a series of threats, attacks and harassment from the new government and its supporters, raising concerns about their safety and security.
Security Withdrawal
Uhuru, who peacefully handed over power to his successor, has been subjected to a humiliating withdrawal of his security detail, that of his inner circle of loyalists and advisers, as well as his privileges as a former head of state.
The security personnel attached to other members of the former first family, including his mother Mama Ngina Kenyatta were also withdrawn at some point.
The Presidential Benefits Act entitles a retired president to a maximum of six guards, but this has to be certified by the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.
Left without security, Uhuru’s family has had to hire private guards to protect their homes.
Verbal Attacks
Uhuru has also been the target of continued verbal attacks from government officials and politicians, who accuse him of funding opposition leader Raila Odinga’s activities and being behind the recent wave of protests and violence that have rocked the country.
Some attacks have been personal and insulting, such as when former Gatundu South MP and now Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria called Uhuru a “drunkard” and a “coward” who had betrayed his people.
Kuria also threatened to invade Uhuru’s homes.
Other attacks have been political and legal, such as when former Attorney General Githu Muigai said Uhuru had violated the constitution by endorsing Raila for the presidency and that he should be charged with treason.
President William Ruto also warned Uhuru to stop funding Raila, claiming that he was using the money to pay off members of the outlawed Mungiki sect to cause chaos in Nairobi.
Harassment
The situation escalated a few weeks ago when a mob of hired youth vandalised and looted Uhuru’s Northlands property, while the police watched and did nothing to stop them.
The attackers claimed that they were reclaiming the land that Uhuru had allegedly grabbed from the public.
Apart from withdrawing Mama Ngina Kenyatta’s security from her home late at night, her grandson, Muhoho Kenyatta, was the victim of a police raid at his home in Karen on Friday.
A contingent of officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reportedly stormed the residence and searched for firearms and other weapons.
They claimed that they had received intelligence that Jomo was in possession of illegal guns that were used to kill protesters.
However, sources close to Jomo said that he had valid licenses for all his firearms and that the raid was a harassment and intimidation tactic.
Assassination Attempt?
Earlier on Friday, a mysterious car with foreign plates was spotted at Uhuru’s Caledonia residence near State House for a long period.
The occupants of the car identified themselves as DCI officers and said they had been sent to deliver a verbal message to Uhuru Kenyatta.
However, sources close to Uhuru revealed the car was not registered with the DCI and that the officers were impostors who could have been assassins.
The same car was later seen at Jomo Kenyatta’s Karen home, where another car with Sudanese plates had arrived earlier.
The government, through Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, tried to link these incidents to illegal guns allegedly used by Uhuru’s supporters to kill protesters.
However, many observers see this as part of a plot to intimidate, silence and eliminate Uhuru and his family.
Uhuru’s Furious Response
Uhuru, who has maintained a low profile since leaving office, broke his silence on Friday evening and dared the government to face him directly instead of targeting his family.
He said he had done his best for Kenya when he was president and now he would do his best to defend his family.
He condemned the withdrawal of Mama Ngina’s security and the raid at his son’s home as illegal and cowardly acts.
Uhuru also defended his right to associate with Raila Odinga or any other political leader of his choice.
He said he was not afraid of any threats or intimidation from the government and challenged them to come for him if they had any issues with him.
“If they are planning something, my only plea is don’t plan against my mother, don’t plan against my children. If it’s me you want, come for me,” he said.
Is Uhuru safe?
The attacks on Uhuru and his family are a blatant violation of the law, the constitution and the human rights of the former president and his kin.
It is an insult to the legacy of Uhuru, who peacefully handed over power and respected the will of the people.
This is an affront to the dignity and sovereignty of Kenya.
These attacks must stop and those responsible must be held accountable.
