Uhuru Slams Ruto Over Reforms as Karua Launches Presidential Bid

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has sharply criticised President William Ruto’s government, accusing it of neglecting national priorities and undermining democratic principles.

Uhuru issued the remarks during the Jubilee Party National Delegates Convention held at Ngong Racecourse in Nairobi, marking his most direct challenge to President Ruto since leaving office in 2022. In a wide-ranging address, he faulted the administration for what he described as policy failures in healthcare, weakening national cohesion, and diminishing public security.

A key focus of Kenyatta’s critique was the government’s replacement of his administration’s Linda Mama maternal health programme with the new Social Health Authority (SHA). He argued that the SHA was poorly designed and implemented without sufficient protections for vulnerable citizens.

“We ensured mothers could give birth in dignity without the burden of hospital fees,” Uhuru said, warning that the new system may disadvantage those most in need.

He also criticised the government’s reliance on populist political messaging, stating that slogans alone could not substitute for effective governance. Uhuru further challenged the narrative surrounding President Ruto’s rise to power, suggesting that personal hardship does not equate to leadership ability.

“Leadership is about integrity, vision, and service to the people,” he said.

The convention brought together key Jubilee figures, including former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i. However, it took place alongside a separate gathering of opposition leaders at Ufungamano House, led by Martha Karua of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP).

The concurrent events highlighted internal divisions within the opposition, particularly in the Mount Kenya region. United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General Cleophas Malala criticised the Jubilee meeting, alleging that it was aimed at weakening Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s influence in Central Kenya.

He warned that the symbolic use of Jubilee’s red colours was being deployed to deepen regional political fractures. Elsewhere, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei dismissed Uhuru's comments, saying the former president left behind unresolved issues and had no moral authority to lecture the current government.

At the PLP convention, opposition leaders urged young Kenyans to register as voters. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua encouraged Generation Z to recognise the power of the ballot.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka added that the government must ensure all eligible youth receive national identity cards, a prerequisite for voter registration.
The PLP event also featured Martha Karua’s endorsement as the party’s presidential candidate.  In her speech, Karua pledged to uphold constitutional freedoms and protect civil liberties.

“Never again will Kenyans disappear in the night,” she said, promising a government grounded in dignity and accountability.

Former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa offered a regional context, noting that one-term presidencies are not uncommon in Africa. Citing examples from Malawi, Liberia, and Nigeria, he said that President Ruto’s time in office could similarly be limited if the public demands change.