Ruto Steps Up Attack on Uhuru, Labels Former President a ‘Rebel Leader’

President William Ruto has renewed his criticism of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing his predecessor of abandoning the role of a statesman and instead becoming what he described as a “rebel leader” within the opposition.

Ruto made the remarks while leading his re-election campaign in Siaya County, where he welcomed a High Court decision barring Kenyatta from holding an official position in a political party.

The President said Kenyatta's continued involvement in opposition politics was inconsistent with the stature expected of a former Head of State.

“Mimi nashangaa, mtu ambaye amekuwa Rais wa Kenya, unaacha kiti ya Rais, badala ya kwenda kuwa statesman, unaenda kuwa rebel leader, kiongozi wa upinzani. Mpaka saa hii korti inamwambia atoke,” Ruto said.

Ruto further accused Kenyatta of bringing shame to the presidency and alleged that the retired President continued to support opposition politicians in an effort to undermine his administration.

Ruto Targets Uhuru and Orengo

The President also took aim at Siaya Governor James Orengo, linking him to political activities associated with the opposition's Linda Sponyo movement.

Ruto challenged Orengo to abandon what he described as opposition politics, questioning whether Kenyatta could defeat him politically after failing to do so while serving as President.

“Imagine surely hiyo ni aibu kubwa. Na sasa ati amekodesha Orengo hapa, hao watu wa Linda Sponyo. Gavana Orengo awachane na maneno ya Linda Sponyo, kama Uhuru Kenyatta hakunishinda akiwa Rais ataninishinda saa hii kweli?” he posed.

Ruto has previously accused Kenyatta and KANU chairman Gideon Moi of supporting opposition activities against his administration.

The latest exchange adds to the increasingly open political rivalry between Ruto and Kenyatta, who served together as President and Deputy President before their relationship deteriorated during Kenyatta's second term.

President Warns Against ‘Guesswork’

Ruto also used his Siaya visit to attack opposition leaders, urging voters to reject politicians whom he accused of lacking clear policies and plans for governing the country.

“Wale majamaa wengine wanataka kucheza kamari ya patapotea na nchi yetu. Watu ambao hawana mpango, hawana sera, hata akili yao ni kidogo. Kenya is too important. Our nation is too important to be left to games of guesswork,” Ruto said.

His remarks came as political parties and emerging alliances position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The President was speaking in Siaya, a region that has traditionally been an important political base for opposition forces.

Wanga Questions Opposition Agenda

ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga also criticised opposition leaders, questioning the political parties and agendas behind their efforts to challenge the government.

“Hao watu wenye hawana chama ndiyo wanasema watakutoa kwa kiti? Chama hawana. Ajenda hawana,” Wanga said.

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, meanwhile, pointed to what he described as divisions within the opposition, particularly over party leadership.

“Gavana ya hapa wanapigana na Sifuna, wanauliza nani party leader, nani party leader. Wanakula kwa jikoni ya Uhuru,” Junet said.

Leaders Rally Behind Ruto

Several leaders accompanying the President used the Siaya tour to express support for his administration and re-election bid.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi praised Ruto's development initiatives in the region, saying the President had demonstrated that he was a friend of the people of Siaya.

“Wewe umetuonyesha wewe ni rafiki wetu wa kweli. Watu wote wa Siaya wameungana isipokuwa mtu mmoja tu. Si huyo aende?” Wandayi said.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi also declared his support for Ruto's re-election campaign, saying the Luo community would not support what he described as “criminals” in the 2027 election.

“Hii jamii ya Wajaluo hakuna siku watapigia majambazi kura. 2027 tutatembea pamoja,” Mbadi said.

Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo similarly pledged his support for the President, citing the administration's development record.

“Hapa Rais tunataka kusema tuko tutam kwa sababu ya ile kazi umetufanyia,” Omollo said.

Development Projects Take Centre Stage

Beyond the political rallies, Ruto's Siaya visit included the launch and inspection of several infrastructure projects.

The President launched construction of the Kalandi-Ka Elija Road and Rabongo-Usenge Road and inspected ongoing construction works at the Dhogoye Bridge in Bondo Constituency.

The projects formed part of the administration's development agenda in the region, as Ruto continued his tour of Nyanza while seeking support ahead of the 2027 election.

Ruto's latest remarks demonstrate the increasingly political nature of his engagements in the region, with development projects accompanied by pointed criticism of opposition leaders and renewed attacks on his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta.