Ruto Allies Accuse Uhuru of Incitement as Political Tensions Resurface

A renewed political rift has emerged between Kenyan President William Ruto and his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, following Kenyatta’s recent calls for increased youth activism. 

The dispute threatens to unravel a fragile truce established last December and revives a long-standing rivalry that has significantly influenced Kenyan politics since the lead-up to the 2022 elections. The immediate catalyst for this resurgence of tensions is Kenyatta’s advocacy for youth empowerment, which Ruto’s allies have strongly criticised as incitement and political manoeuvring. These actions have reignited a deep-seated animosity between the two leaders, who were once political allies under the Jubilee administration.

Contextually, this current friction is rooted in events dating back to 2018, when Uhuru's reconciliation with opposition leader Raila Odinga, through the now-famous "handshake," created a shift in Kenya’s political landscape. This move marginalised then-Deputy President Ruto, sowing the seeds for future division. This rift deepened further during the 2022 elections when Uhuru openly supported Odinga's presidential bid against Ruto. Despite this endorsement, Ruto narrowly secured the presidency, marking a pivotal moment in their deteriorating relationship.

Uhuru's recent address at the second annual Guild Leaders’ Summit 2025 at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, further stoked the flames. He characterised the rise of Generation Z as an “independence moment” for Africa, urging young people to defend the continent’s future and engage actively in governance discussions. "This is the moment for each and every one of you to step onto the stage. Your time has come," Uhuru stated, framing youth involvement as critical for driving meaningful change.

In response, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen publicly accused Kenyatta of exploiting the youth for political advantage. Speaking at a forum in Machakos County, Murkomen questioned Kenyatta's sudden focus on governance issues, highlighting the recency of his presidential tenure. 

"You were President just yesterday. The ink you used to sign decisions as Head of State has not even dried, but suddenly you have become very clever and now an angel lecturing us," Murkomen remarked, regretting the perceived hypocrisy of Uhuru's stance.

The historical backdrop of this conflict extends beyond the 2022 elections. Uhuru's Jubilee Party has maintained a vocal critique of the Ruto administration, even suggesting a potential 2027 presidential ticket featuring former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya. Concurrently, the Ruto administration has faced accusations of targeting Kenyatta and his family, including the withdrawal of their security detail and a controversial police raid on his son's residence in 2023.

The youth demographic has emerged as a crucial battleground in this ongoing political dispute. Uhuru's emphasis on youth empowerment has been met with scepticism from the Kenya Kwanza coalition, who assert that his administration failed to adequately address the challenges facing young people during his time in office. National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro has criticised Uhuru for allegedly contributing to a gambling crisis among the youth by licensing numerous betting companies during his presidency.

During a fundraiser in Kakamega County, Osoro stated, "We hear some leader telling the youth to stand up and fight for good governance, yet during his time, all they found were betting opportunities." 

Echoing this sentiment, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki dismissed Uhuru's calls as politically motivated, urging the public to evaluate the Ruto administration’s performance by 2027.  As Kenya approaches the midpoint of President Ruto's term, the stakes are significant for both leaders. Uhuru's perceived legacy as a statesman and advocate for good governance is under scrutiny, while Ruto faces the challenge of fulfilling his campaign promises amidst a politically fragmented environment.