Ruto blasts Uhuru for ‘sponsoring’ Opposition

By Newsflash Writer

President William Ruto has accused his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta of sponsoring Opposition leaders to challenge him in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking in Eldoret City, Uasin Gishu County, on Thursday, August 13, while braving an evening drizzle, Ruto claimed Uhuru was backing his political opponents despite failing to implement key projects during his presidency.

Ruto challenged residents to assess the Opposition’s agenda, questioning whether its leaders had presented clear plans and policies ahead of the 2027 polls.

“I ask you, Eldoret people, you are Kenyans? You have ever voted? You are political strategists?” Ruto asked.

“If you gauge those people [the Opposition] …their sponsor [Uhuru]…was he able to implement the affordable housing? Was he able to implement universal health coverage? Was he able to educate our children? Now he is organizing his sycophants. He is sending people to come and compete with me.”

The President declared that he would defeat his opponents, dismissing their efforts to mount a united challenge against his administration.

“I will defeat those people early in the morning!” he said.

Opposition steps up unity

Ruto also questioned whether the Opposition had developed a coherent agenda capable of convincing Kenyans ahead of the elections.

“Have you heard the plans of those people? Have you heard their agenda? Have you heard their policies? Have you heard their visions?” he asked.

“Those people are fools!”

The President’s remarks came barely a day after he launched Vision 2060 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, setting out his administration’s long-term development ambitions.

His criticism of Uhuru also came amid renewed efforts by Opposition leaders to forge a united political front against him.

The United Opposition comprises former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), Martha Karua of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa of DAP-Kenya, former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i of Jubilee Party and former Attorney General Justin Muturi of the Democratic Party.

The leaders met in Nairobi on Tuesday to assess the progress of their alliance and discuss strategies ahead of the 2027 election.

They renewed their commitment to remain united and field a single presidential candidate to challenge Ruto.

The alliance faces growing pressure to settle on one flag-bearer capable of mounting a formidable challenge against the incumbent as the country moves closer to the 2027 polls.

Ruto’s latest attack signals an increasingly confrontational political contest, with both the government and Opposition stepping up mobilisation ahead of the elections.