Tension has emerged within the ruling coalition after Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi openly accused Senator Kiprotich Arap Cherargei of working closely with The Standard to push what he described as unnecessary political attacks.
In a late-night social media post, Sudi claimed that the senator and the media house were acting as one, warning him against involving others in what he termed as baseless issues.
Sudi’s comments came shortly after the newspaper ran a front-page story titled “Going after Uhuru,” which raised concerns about the treatment of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The report suggested that there was increasing political pressure on the retired leader under the administration of William Ruto.
It also pointed to a bill sponsored by Cherargei that seeks to review the benefits and privileges of former presidents who remain active in politics.
The Kapseret MP appeared uncomfortable with how the issue was being discussed in public, saying such narratives risk creating unnecessary divisions. He insisted that political leaders should avoid dragging each other into conflicts that do not help the country move forward.
His remarks reflect a section of leaders who believe the ongoing debate is becoming more personal than policy-driven.
Others within the ruling coalition have supported efforts to review retirement benefits for former presidents, especially those who continue to engage in active politics. They argue that the law should be clear on how public resources are used in such cases. This difference in opinion has exposed cracks within the alliance, even as leaders try to maintain a united front.
The newspaper report also raised concerns about how former leaders are treated, warning that actions seen as disrespectful could set a negative example for the country. It referred to constitutional principles and the need to protect the dignity of past presidents, regardless of their current political involvement.
This angle has added another layer to the debate, shifting it beyond politics into matters of law and national values.
Cherarkey has not yet responded publicly to the accusations made by Sudi, leaving room for further reactions from other leaders. Political observers expect more statements in the coming days as the issue continues to attract attention. The discussion around the role of former presidents, their benefits, and their involvement in politics is likely to remain active as the country moves closer to future elections.
