Uhuru Kenyatta Hits Back at Ruto Over ‘Scapegoat’ Claims, Backs Matiang’i

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has criticised President William Ruto over what he described as continued attempts to blame his administration for the challenges facing the country, as he formally backed former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking on Tuesday at Jubilee Party headquarters in Nairobi, where he chaired a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, Kenyatta said his administration had accepted the outcome of the 2022 General Election but questioned why his name continued to feature in political explanations for the current government's performance.

“We accepted that they won. Four years later, it is still Uhuru this and Uhuru that. But when things are not working, you start blaming someone else. Kenyans are smart, they know,” Kenyatta said.

His remarks come amid increasingly public exchanges between him and Ruto as political parties and potential presidential candidates position themselves ahead of the 2027 polls. Ruto has in recent days accused Kenyatta of remaining involved in opposition politics after leaving office.

Kenyatta backs Matiang’i

Kenyatta also declared his support for Matiang’i, who is Jubilee's deputy party leader and its endorsed presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

He said his support was informed by a desire to see an end to what he described as tribal politics.

“I am supporting Matiang'i because we want to bring an end to tribal politics. I have looked at him and seen a man of wisdom, not a man of corruption, but a man of work,” Kenyatta said.

Matiang’i has separately rejected Ruto's characterization of Kenyatta as a “rebel leader”, arguing that criticism of the government and lawful political participation are part of democratic politics.

‘Sponsor’ accusations

Kenyatta also addressed accusations that he is a political “sponsor” behind opposition activities.

He questioned why political leaders should be targeted for expressing their views, arguing that political participation and debate are part of democracy.

“We want to look for leaders who will bring services to citizens and reduce corruption. I cannot engage in insults with them. I do not have time for that.”

Kenyatta urged Jubilee members and other Kenyans to focus on uniting the country and developing political programmes ahead of the next election.

He also called on young people not to allow themselves to be used to advance the interests of individual politicians.

Kenyatta says he will not seek another presidential term

The former president also defended his decision to remain outside the presidential race, pointing to the constitutional two-term limit.

“As Uhuru, I have asked Kenyans for the presidential vote three times. The Constitution says two terms. I respect the law and the Constitution.”

Kenyatta said the fact that he would not seek the presidency again did not mean Jubilee had no political future.

His comments come after a High Court ruling concerning the participation of retired presidents in formal political party leadership. Kenyatta has indicated that he will relinquish his position as Jubilee Party leader in compliance with the ruling.

Uhuru to step down as Jubilee party leader

Kenyatta said he would leave the party leadership position but remain involved in Jubilee as a senior member and adviser while the party prepares for its National Delegates Convention.

“I have decided to step down from that top position and become a senior advisor, since I am still here. I will remain a senior member of Jubilee in the meantime as we wait for the NDC.”

He said the transition should allow the party to organise itself ahead of the 2027 election.

“That is not running away, that is planning ahead,” he added.

Ruto had earlier accused Uhuru of backing opposition

Kenyatta's remarks follow a series of public attacks by Ruto, who recently described his predecessor as a “rebel leader” and accused him of remaining involved in efforts to challenge the government.

Speaking in Siaya during a development tour, Ruto questioned Kenyatta's continued involvement in opposition politics and criticised leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement.

Ruto also questioned whether Kenyatta could challenge his administration after failing to defeat him in the 2022 presidential election.

The President further accused Kenyatta of using other politicians to advance opposition activities, claims Kenyatta has rejected.

The exchange marks another public chapter in the political relationship between the two leaders, whose alliance deteriorated after the 2018 handshake between Kenyatta and then opposition leader Raila Odinga.

With Jubilee backing Matiang’i and other political formations taking shape, the dispute between Kenyatta and Ruto is increasingly unfolding against the backdrop of preparations for the 2027 General Election.