Ruto to Uhuru: You Are a Retired President, Let Kenya Move On

President William Ruto has renewed his criticism of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of working against his administration and urging him to stop efforts to oppose the government.

Speaking in Sindo, Homa Bay County, on Thursday, Ruto revisited his political relationship with Kenyatta and said he had supported him in four presidential contests but did not receive similar backing when he sought the presidency in 2022. Ruto said Kenyatta was entitled to choose his political position but accused him of later becoming involved in efforts to frustrate his administration.

The President accused Uhuru of supporting opposition activities and attempting to hinder government programmes in housing, healthcare, education and infrastructure. He also alleged that the retired president had been involved in organising demonstrations against the government.

“Please, whatever you are planning with these people from Linda Sponsor or whatever it is, saying that you have told them to come and oppose us... My brother, the country is bigger than any individual, including you. Let Kenya move forward,” Ruto said.

He also urged Uhuru to respect the office of a retired president and allow the government to carry out its work.

“You are a retired president. Respect your office. Go and relax, let us organise our country, Kenya,” Ruto said.

The latest criticism comes days after the High Court upheld Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, which bars retired presidents from holding leadership positions in political parties more than six months after leaving office. The ruling does not prevent former presidents from remaining party members or taking part in political activities.

Uhuru subsequently indicated that he would facilitate the handover of the Jubilee Party chairmanship. His office said the ruling had provided the legal clarity needed to resolve the prolonged leadership transition and that he would comply with the decision in line with the party's constitution.

During his Nyanza tour, Ruto also defended his administration's record and compared its performance with the economic and development conditions he said his government inherited. He cited lower inflation, higher foreign exchange reserves and debt repayments as indicators of economic progress. He also highlighted the recruitment of 100,000 teachers, the construction of 23,000 classrooms and the expansion of the affordable housing programme.

Ruto said 300,000 housing units had been completed, while 600 modern markets and 180,000 student hostels were being delivered across the country. In Homa Bay, he said the government was investing billions of shillings in markets, housing and student accommodation, as well as road and water projects.

The President also challenged politicians seeking to succeed him to present clear programmes and practical plans instead of relying mainly on political mobilisation.

His remarks came as opposition politicians continued to consider alliances and political formations ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Ruto's renewed criticism of Kenyatta comes within a wider political dispute over the direction of the country ahead of the next election. Ruto maintains that Uhuru's political involvement amounts to interference with his administration, while Uhuru's position following the court ruling indicates that he will comply with restrictions on formal party leadership while retaining his broader political rights.

Ruto said his administration should be allowed to implement its development programme without what he regards as political obstruction, calling on Kenyatta to allow the country to move forward.