Ruto Reveals Uhuru Declined Support During 2024 Gen Z Uprising

President William Ruto has disclosed details of a private meeting with former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2024 amid the Gen Z uprising, revealing that Uhuru declined to support his administration.

In an interview, Ruto explained that he sought Uhuru's guidance and backing at his Ichaweri residence, believing that former leaders play a crucial role in shaping Kenya’s future and mentoring emerging leaders. However, Uhuru reportedly expressed reluctance to assist.

"I went out of my way and looked for him first in Ichaweri and his office here in Nairobi and asked him, as a former Head of State, the only one living, he should help us to forge a new vision for the country, but he was reluctant and said he wasn't sure he wanted to do that," Ruto said.

The President noted that Uhuru made a personal decision to engage actively in opposition politics rather than offer support to the government.

Ruto's remarks highlighted ongoing political tensions ahead of the 2027 General Elections, with the President accusing Uhuru of sponsoring opposition efforts to destabilize his administration.

• Ruto described Uhuru’s role as chairperson of the Azimio Coalition, claiming he is organizing opposition forces against his government.
• He suggested that Uhuru had an opportunity to act as a unifying statesman but opted instead to oppose him politically.

In response, Uhuru Kenyatta denied allegations of sponsoring opposition groups, emphasizing that the Kenyan people hold the power to decide their leaders without interference.

"It's the people who will decide. If they say it is Kalonzo, Ruto, Matiang'i, or Sifuna, it will be so. I don't want to be called a sponsor; I have just said the power belongs to the people," the former president stated.

Ruto and Uhuru previously worked closely under the Jubilee administration before their political fallout, with Uhuru endorsing opposition candidates in the 2022 elections.