President William Ruto and retired president Uhuru Kenyatta. Photo/Handout
By Newsflash Political Desk
The temporary truce between President William Ruto and his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta has disintegrated, reigniting fierce political hostilities between their allies.
The détente, marked by a symbolic meeting in Ichaweri, Gatundu South in December 2024, aimed to heal the fractured relationship that had persisted since their fallout ahead of the 2022 general elections. During that period, Kenyatta had snubbed his then-deputy Ruto, endorsing opposition leader Raila Odinga instead. Ruto, however, narrowly clinched the presidency alongside Rigathi Gachagua, though he has since parted ways with his deputy as well.
The fragile peace began to unravel in January 2025 when Kenyatta encouraged the youth—particularly the Gen Z generation—to fight for their rights. His more recent statements, delivered at the Guild Leaders’ Summit in Kampala, Uganda, further emphasized the youth’s role as modern-day freedom fighters and defenders of good governance. These remarks sparked a wave of condemnation from Ruto’s allies, who interpreted Kenyatta’s message as an incitement to revolt against the current government.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen accused Kenyatta of hypocrisy, calling out the former president for suddenly positioning himself as a champion of democracy despite his own authoritarian tendencies while in power. Speaking in Machakos County, Murkomen said Kenyatta had no moral authority to lecture the youth, having failed to empower them during his administration and even labelling them as untrustworthy when he appointed elderly leaders over younger ones.
Read more: EXCLUSIVE: Inside Uhuru-Matiang’i 2027 secret talks
Other Kenya Kwanza leaders, including Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro, MPs Didmus Barasa and Nelson Koech, also attacked Kenyatta. They accused him of failing to address youth unemployment during his tenure and fostering a culture of gambling by allowing the licensing of hundreds of betting companies. Koech went as far as to accuse Kenyatta of being unable to accept Ruto’s presidency, branding his youth advocacy efforts as disingenuous and politically motivated.
Blame game escalates amid 2027 political jockeying
The renewed hostilities appear to be rooted in political posturing ahead of the 2027 elections. Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party has been increasingly vocal in its opposition to the Ruto administration and is reportedly backing a presidential ticket of former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya. Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni has promoted this duo as a viable alternative to unseat Ruto.
Kenyatta’s critics view his actions as an attempt to revive his political influence and settle scores with the current regime. They point to past events such as the withdrawal of his and his mother’s security shortly after Ruto assumed office, the violent invasion of the Kenyatta family’s Northlands farm, and a police raid on his son Jomo’s residence in 2023 as evidence of a deeply personal political rift. These moves were seen by Kenyatta’s allies as politically charged acts of retaliation.
Read more: Kioni: I declined Ruto’s Interior CS offer
Despite the accusations, some leaders have defended the former President. MPs Anthony Kibagendi and Geoffrey Wandeto argued that Kenyatta’s calls to the youth are not incitement but a reflection of growing public dissatisfaction with the Ruto regime. Wandeto said the government’s harsh reactions reveal insecurity and a lack of legitimacy, referencing the administration’s overreaction to a school play by students at Butere Girls High School.
State House distances
State House has distanced President Ruto from the inflammatory remarks made by his allies. His press secretary Emmanuel Talam stated that the comments were personal views and not reflective of the President’s position. Meanwhile, Kenyatta’s spokesperson, Kanze Dena, directed media to the former president’s social media accounts for his official stance.
The brief truce between the once-allied leaders now seems fully shattered. What began as a reconciliatory gesture in Ichaweri has quickly devolved into a renewed cycle of public accusations, political jabs, and ideological clashes. As the 2027 election approaches, the deepening rivalry between Ruto and Kenyatta is expected to shape the country’s political landscape—and possibly fuel further generational discontent.
