Ruto to Uhuru: You Broke Our Deal on Presidential Succession

President William Ruto has accused retired President Uhuru Kenyatta of breaking a political agreement to support his presidential ambitions after completing two terms in office, reviving their dispute ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during a development tour of Uasin Gishu County, Ruto recalled their partnership in the 2013 and 2017 elections, arguing that he had supported Uhuru throughout his decade in power with the expectation that the former president would later back his bid for the presidency. Ruto said the arrangement was based on an understanding that Uhuru would serve for 10 years before supporting his deputy to succeed him.

“I, William Ruto, voted for you four times. I stood with you when you began your journey to seek leadership. I stood with you in 2013. I stood with you in 2017. You said 10 years of Uhuru, 10 years of Ruto,” he said.

The president accused Uhuru of abandoning that understanding during the 2022 election, when the retired president backed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga instead of his then-deputy.

“When the time came for you to stand with me, you avoided me, and you told Kenyans not to vote for me,” Ruto said.

He also urged Uhuru to withdraw from active politics, questioning the former president’s continued involvement in efforts to shape the country’s political direction.

“My friend, please, retire,” Ruto said.

Ruto further criticised Uhuru’s relationships with opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, and accused him of misleading political allies. He also questioned the former president’s reported association with Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i and other figures seeking to challenge his administration.

The remarks indicate that Ruto considers Uhuru’s political influence a factor in the formation of opposition alliances ahead of the next election. Although Uhuru left office in 2022, his endorsement of Raila demonstrated his continued ability to influence political alignments. His subsequent engagements with opposition figures have also featured in discussions about how challengers could unite against the incumbent.

Addressing residents of the Lake region, Ruto referred to their previous support for Uhuru and questioned the former president’s decision to oppose him after years of cooperation. He also described Uhuru as the most ungrateful person he had encountered.

Ruto’s account rests on an informal understanding that Uhuru would support his succession after serving two terms. However, political alliances do not necessarily guarantee future electoral backing, particularly when leaders develop competing interests. The 2022 election exposed those differences when Uhuru chose to support Raila, while Ruto ran against the candidate endorsed by his former ally.

During the Uasin Gishu tour, Ruto also defended his administration’s record, citing progress in education, economic management, housing and healthcare. He argued that his government was addressing challenges inherited from the previous administration.

On education, the president pointed to the recruitment of teachers, the construction of additional classrooms and reforms to university financing. The funding model remains a central part of the government’s education agenda, although concerns about affordability and the allocation of financial support continue to feature in public debate.

Ruto also maintained that his administration had improved economic growth and brought inflation under control. He defended the affordable housing programme, citing the construction of residential units, markets and student hostels as part of efforts to create jobs and improve living conditions.