President William Ruto has again turned his attention to retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of influencing the opposition as the two former allies trade increasingly sharp remarks ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Ruto, speaking in Taita-Taveta on Saturday, accused the opposition of acting as Uhuru’s mouthpiece and suggested that the former president was behind criticism of his administration.
“Sasa huyo mjamaa amewaambia enda pinga SHA kwa sababu ilinishinda, enda pinga housing kwa sababu ilinishinda, enda pinga barabara,” Ruto said.
He was responding to criticism of some of his flagship programmes, including the Social Health Authority, affordable housing and infrastructure projects.
The President has repeatedly linked opposition attacks to Uhuru, who served as his political ally and predecessor before the two fell out after the 2018 handshake with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
On Sunday, Ruto appeared to take another swipe at Uhuru while speaking at a Pentecostal church in Mwatate.
“Sometimes I see people correcting me: concentrate on delivering what you promised the people, leave what I said alone, I know how to fulfil them,” Ruto said.
“You are the ones who gave us a chance to leadership and everyone has a role, there is no supervisor. Let everyone do their job. No one should think that they are my supervisors; you do your work. I will know how to do mine. Let us collaborate.”
The remarks came days after Uhuru criticised Ruto for repeatedly invoking his name when addressing problems facing the country.
Speaking during the handover of the Jubilee Party leadership, Uhuru questioned why Ruto was still blaming his administration nearly four years after taking over.
“And after four years, he is still saying Uhuru this, Uhuru that,” Uhuru said.
“Were you given leadership so that you continue to talk about Uhuru? Or were you given leadership to serve Kenyans?”
Uhuru also said Ruto should concentrate on governing rather than looking for someone to blame when things do not go as expected.
The former President has also reignited debate over the 2022 presidential election, saying he remains convinced that Raila won the contest.
The remarks have drawn a strong response from Ruto's allies.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula questioned why Uhuru handed over power to Ruto if he believed the election had been rigged.
“You peacefully handed over the instruments of power to the President. Why did you hand over power to him if you believe he did not win the election?” Wetang’ula asked.
He added: “Uhuru must respect President Ruto and allow him to discharge the mandate given to him by Kenyans.”
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku raised a similar question during a public engagement in Taveta.
“Why did he hand over to Ruto if he knew there was rigging?” Ruku posed.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot also waded into the dispute, accusing Uhuru of undermining Ruto while serving as his deputy.
“Uhuru must respect the verdict Kenyans gave and move on respectfully. If he dares us, we will hit back strongly,” Cheruiyot said.
Ruto's attacks on Uhuru have become more direct in recent weeks.
On September 17, the President told Uhuru to respect the office he previously held and leave his administration to govern.
“You are a retired president. Respect your office. Go and relax, wacha sisi tupange hii nchi yetu ya Kenya,” Ruto said in Homa Bay.
Ruto also reminded Uhuru of their political history.
“I helped you at a time when you needed someone to help you. I stood with you in four elections, I helped you, I worked with you and worked for you,” he said.
Uhuru has since handed over the formal leadership of Jubilee to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i but has said he will remain involved in the party as a senior adviser.
His continued political activity has prompted calls from Kenya Kwanza leaders for him to leave active politics, while his allies have defended his right to participate in political affairs.
