Leading Blindly? Uhuru Accuses Ruto of “Untested Experiments”

Nairobi, Kenya — September 28, 2025 (EAT).

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has publicly rebuked President William Ruto’s administration, warning that many of its policy initiatives are speculative “untested experiments” being rolled out without adequate groundwork.

The Latest

• Speaking during the Jubilee Party Special Delegates’ Conference at Ngong Racecourse, Uhuru said:

  “Some policies in place today are untested experiments — launched into the lives of Kenyans without full due diligence, public consultation, or institutional readiness.”

• He cautioned that if such experiments fail, ordinary citizens inevitably bear the brunt.

• Uhuru urged the government to pause and reassess key reforms, calling for humility, evidence-based policy, and inclusive stakeholder engagement before proceeding further.

Political & Historical Context

• Uhuru’s remarks signal rising tensions between his revived Jubilee Party and the ruling coalition, possibly foreshadowing political re-alignment ahead of the 2027 polls.

• Over the past months, Ruto’s administration has rolled out several bold reforms (e.g., SHA health scheme, instant fines system, climate agreements, etc.) that have attracted both praise and critique.

• The critique underscores a recurring challenge in Kenyan governance: balancing innovation with institutional capacity and public absorption.

Why Uhuru’s Criticism Matters

• Weight of his stature: As a former president, Uhuru’s voice carries institutional memory, party influence, and political gravity.

• Framing the narrative: By casting major reforms as risky experiments, Uhuru shifts public debate toward caution, oversight, and accountability.

• Potential realignment: This could be a precursor to distancing from or critiquing parts of the Kenya Kwanza project, especially if performance falters.

• Electoral messaging: If used consistently, this narrative may help opposition or Jubilee renegotiators to frame themselves as steadier alternatives to “experimental” governance.

What We Don’t Yet Know

• Which specific policies he was referring to (though observers infer health, digital services, energy reforms, etc.).

• How the state / Ruto administration will respond publicly or adjust policy posture.

• Whether this marks a strategic shift by Uhuru or is designed to ignite internal party debates.

• The degree to which the public or civil society will echo or contest this framing.