President William Ruto has renewed his attack on retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of still being unable to move past his defeat in the 2022 presidential election and of expecting the Kenya Kwanza government to collapse within months of taking office.
Ruto made the remarks during an interview at State House, where he also questioned Uhuru’s continued involvement in opposition politics as efforts gather pace to build a broad alliance ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“It is an open secret that my predecessor has not gotten out of what happened in 2022. That despite everything he did, I won the election,” Ruto said while addressing journalists at the Statehouse.
The President was responding to renewed focus on Uhuru’s political activities after the former President chaired an Azimio meeting on August 3, as opposition leaders explore ways of working together to challenge the Kenya Kwanza administration in 2027.
Ruto said Uhuru had remained involved in efforts to bring opposition forces together, accusing his predecessor of supporting and organising political allies opposed to his government.
The remarks have brought back into focus the bitter fallout between the two leaders, who worked together for a decade before their political relationship broke down.
Ruto served as Uhuru’s deputy from 2013 to 2022, but their partnership became strained after Uhuru moved away from Ruto and backed Azimio candidate Raila Odinga in the 2022 presidential election.
Ruto eventually defeated Odinga with 50.5 per cent of the vote, with the Supreme Court later upholding his victory.
Ruto recalls Uhuru's prediction
Ruto has also revisited what he described as Uhuru’s expectation that his administration would not last.
Speaking in Eldoret on August 13, the President said Uhuru had predicted during a meeting of the Azimio Parliamentary Group that his government would fail within three months.
Ruto argued that Uhuru knew the difficult economic situation the country was facing at the time, yet still expected the new administration to collapse.
The President said that had not happened, pointing instead to changes in the economy that he said showed the country was moving in a better direction.
He cited lower inflation, improved foreign exchange reserves, controlled interest and exchange rates and increased investor confidence as evidence of the progress made under his administration.
“The country did not default. The tattered economy that he left is in a different place today,” he said.
Ruto also said Kenya had risen to become Africa’s sixth-largest economy under his leadership despite what he described as the difficult economic circumstances inherited by his government.
He further turned the spotlight on Uhuru’s record in office, questioning his performance on affordable housing, universal healthcare and education.
Ruto said his former boss had failed to deliver on issues that he was now using to criticise the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Uhuru rejects claims of political comeback
Uhuru has rejected the claims that he is sponsoring opposition politicians or preparing to return to active politics.
Speaking in Kitale on Sunday during a memorial service for former Vice-President Michael Kijana Wamalwa, the retired President said the decision on who should lead Kenya in 2027 belongs to voters.
“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,” Uhuru said.
He said the leadership positions he held in the past were opportunities given to him by Kenyans and that he was now content to let the electorate make the next choice.
“If you want votes, ask Kenyans politely; they will give them to you or deny you. I asked them at first and I was denied. I came back again, and they voted for me. People should not come out and say that whatever I’m saying, I am politicking. I have no interest in any position. I thank God for the years he has given me in leadership. I thank Kenyans for giving me that chance,” he said.
The former President also appealed to Kenyans to remain united and avoid being divided or intimidated as political activity increases ahead of the next election.
“Kenyans are the ones who will decide whom they want. Kenyans should know that everyone will come out saying they want this opportunity, but God decides that it is only one person,” Uhuru said.
He urged Kenyans to work together and respect one another, regardless of the political sides they choose to support.
“If they want what is good, they should find a way to be united, walk together and be respectful to each other. For you Kenyans, do not agree to be scolded, unite and be a one thing."
Opposition eyes wider alliance
The renewed exchange comes as opposition leaders increase efforts to build a coalition capable of taking on Ruto in the 2027 presidential election.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa are among the leaders positioning themselves ahead of the contest.
Uhuru’s continued engagement with opposition figures is likely to remain a source of political debate as the election approaches.
Ruto is seeking to defend his administration’s record, while opposition leaders are working to bring different political forces together in an attempt to mount a stronger challenge in 2027.