Ruto turns fire on Uhuru, labels former president ‘Rebel Leader’

SIAYA, County—President William Ruto has renewed his attacks on retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing his predecessor of abandoning the role of a statesman and instead becoming an opposition figure.

Ruto made the remarks in Siaya on Tuesday while welcoming a High Court decision barring retired presidents from holding leadership positions in political parties beyond six months after leaving office.

The President said the court ruling was a reflection of the political path Kenyatta had chosen after leaving State House, describing him as a “rebel leader” for continuing to engage in opposition politics.

Ruto also accused his predecessor of supporting efforts to challenge his administration, linking Kenyatta to opposition leaders and political movements seeking to build an alternative political force ahead of the 2027 General Election.

He particularly challenged Siaya Governor James Orengo to distance himself from the Linda Mwananchi movement, questioning whether Kenyatta could defeat him politically after failing to do so when he was President.

Ruto’s latest remarks add to a series of attacks he has directed at Kenyatta and KANU Chairman Gideon Moi, whom he has previously accused of supporting opposition activities against his administration.

The President also turned his attention to the wider opposition, urging Kenyans to reject leaders he accused of lacking clear plans and policies for the country.

He argued that Kenya was too important to be subjected to what he described as political guesswork ahead of the 2027 elections.

ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga joined the criticism, questioning the political parties and agendas of leaders seeking to challenge the government.

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed also pointed to divisions within the opposition, particularly disagreements over party leadership and the political vehicles through which different groups intend to contest the next election.

The exchanges came during Ruto’s development tour of Siaya, where leaders accompanying him also used the occasion to rally support for his administration and his re-election bid.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi praised the President for what he described as his development record in the region and urged residents to support his administration.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi also declared support for Ruto, saying the Luo community would not back leaders he accused of having criminal backgrounds.

Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo similarly pledged his support for the President.

Away from the political exchanges, Ruto launched the construction of the Kalandi-Ka Elija Road and Rabongo-Usenge Road and inspected the ongoing construction of the Dhogoye Bridge in Bondo Constituency.

The Siaya tour comes as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Ruto’s administration facing an increasingly active opposition landscape and new political formations seeking to consolidate support across the country.