As the 2027 general election draws near, President William Ruto has renewed his accusations against former President Uhuru Kenyatta, alleging that Uhuru is financially supporting opposition efforts to unseat him. Speaking in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Ruto criticised Uhuru's record on key issues like affordable housing and universal health coverage during his tenure and claimed that Uhuru is now backing opponents to challenge his administration.

Ruto stated, "He failed on affordable housing, universal health coverage, and education. Now he is sending people to compete against me. These opponents lack clear policies or vision."

The President’s remarks come amid claims from some Kenya Kwanza leaders that Uhuru is funding the Senator Edwin Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi Movement and Jubilee Party’s Fred Matiang’i as presidential candidates. However, Uhuru has largely remained silent on these allegations.

Political Responses and Reactions

  • Rigathi Gachagua, Deputy President and leader of Democracy for the Citizens Party, urged Ruto to accept responsibility for his administration’s challenges rather than blaming Uhuru. Gachagua also positioned himself as Ruto’s main political rival.
  • Jubilee Party Secretary General Moitalel Ole Kenta dismissed Ruto’s accusations, calling on the President to focus on governance instead of targeting a retired leader who left office in 2022. Ole Kenta emphasised Uhuru’s right to privacy and peace.
  • Senator Edwin Sifuna denied financial support from Uhuru, stating the former president only publicly encourages youth leadership.
  • Nyandarua Senator John MethuMurang’a Senator Joe Nyutu defended Uhuru, urging Ruto to concentrate on actual political opponents rather than the retired president.
  • Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka

Political Analysis

Political commentator Daniel Omari noted that Ruto’s camp views Uhuru’s potential involvement in opposition politics as significant due to his influence and resources. This explains the administration’s persistent attacks on the former president.

With political actors positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 polls, tension between President Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta signals a possible repeat of the intense rivalry witnessed in the 2022 election.