Uhuru gets lifeline as court rules retired presidents can engage in crimepolitics

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta arrives for the burial ceremony of Christine Waruguru Kariuki in Gikuu village, Kiharu Constituency, Murang'a County on September 18, 2026. [OFPP, Standard] The High Court has handed former President Uhuru Kenyatta a lifeline after declaring sections of law that barred retired presidents from engaging in active politics unconstitutional. High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye, in his judgment, said that it is unfair to lock out a retired President from politics as he immediately returns to private citizen life after handing power. He was of the view that a retired President has no coercive and Executive authority of the State. " The office of President is held for a constitutionally defined period. Upon cessation of office, the former President ceases to exercise the coercive and executive authority of the State.