President William Ruto has renewed his criticism of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of betraying their political agreement and urging opposition leaders to be cautious about working with his predecessor ahead of the 2027 General Election. Speaking on Monday during the launch of his 10-day development tour of the North Rift region, Ruto claimed Kenyatta abandoned him during the 2022 presidential election despite their previous political partnership.
The President addressed rallies in Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties, where he recalled supporting Kenyatta during the 2013 and 2017 presidential elections before their relationship deteriorated. Ruto alleged that the two had agreed that Kenyatta would serve for 10 years before supporting him to lead the country for a similar period. He accused the former Head of State of going against the arrangement when the time came for him to seek the presidency.
Ruto Warns Opposition Leaders Against Trusting Uhuru
The Head of State also cautioned opposition politicians currently associating with Kenyatta, claiming they could experience the same political fallout. Ruto described his former ally as untrustworthy and challenged opposition leaders to consider his own experience before placing their confidence in the former President.
He further accused Kenyatta of betraying former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i. The President’s remarks signal renewed political friction between the two leaders as political alignments continue to take shape ahead of the 2027 polls.
Ruto Defends His Administration Against Uhuru’s Criticism
Ruto also accused his predecessor of attempting to undermine his government after failing to stop his victory in the 2022 presidential election. He dismissed criticism reportedly directed at his administration by Kenyatta, arguing that the former President left behind significant challenges in the economy and education sector.
The President questioned Kenyatta’s assessment of the current administration, claiming his government had inherited a struggling economy and unresolved problems in education. The latest exchange adds to the growing political tension between the two leaders as the country approaches another election cycle.
Ruto and Uhuru Expected to Attend Raila’s Memorial
The political confrontation comes ahead of Thursday’s planned commemoration of the first anniversary of Raila Odinga’s death in Bondo, Siaya County. Both Ruto and Kenyatta are expected to attend the event, potentially bringing the two former political allies together on the same platform amid their public differences. Their anticipated appearance comes at a time when political leaders are increasingly positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
President Rallies North Rift Residents to Register as Voters
During his North Rift tour, Ruto also called on residents to register as voters, arguing that their participation would be important in determining the country’s political future. The President visited Tinderet, Aldai, Moiben and Soy constituencies as part of his development engagements.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen urged residents to obtain national identity cards, while announcing plans to launch digital birth certificates during Mashujaa Day celebrations. Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi, who accompanied the President, dismissed claims by political opponents questioning the strength of Ruto’s support base.
Ruto Launches Development Projects in North Rift
Beyond politics, the President used the tour to launch and advance several development initiatives across the region. The projects include road construction, markets and electricity connections under the Last Mile Connectivity Programme.
The tour forms part of the government’s efforts to showcase ongoing development projects while engaging residents on infrastructure and service delivery. However, Ruto’s latest attacks on Kenyatta have placed their political differences back in the spotlight as leaders prepare for the 2027 electoral contest.
