The political temperature in Kenya continues to rise as allies of President William Ruto intensify their attacks against former President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of quietly building a political coalition aimed at weakening the ruling United Democratic Alliance ahead of the 2027 general election.
The latest salvo came over the weekend when Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, speaking during a church service in Mbooni Constituency, expressed his disappointment with Uhuru's reported political activities.
Mutuse argued that it was unfair for the former President to work against the current administration, especially considering the support that Ruto gave him throughout his presidency.
"It is unfortunate for the former President to turn against the very leader who stood with him throughout his presidency," Mutuse said while addressing worshippers at AIC Watuka in Mbooni.
The MP went on to praise Ruto for remaining loyal to Uhuru during the 2013 and 2017 elections, even when many political allies had abandoned the former Head of State.
Mutuse took the opportunity to call on Uhuru to step away from active politics altogether. He suggested that since Kenyans had freely elected President Ruto, the former President should allow the current administration to focus on its development agenda without unnecessary political distractions. "Kenyans have made their choice, and President Ruto deserves the space to implement his vision for this country," the legislator added.
However, not everyone in the opposition camp agrees with this narrative. Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has strongly dismissed claims that Uhuru is leading the opposition charge against Ruto.
Speaking at the ACK Cathedral in Embu, Kalonzo maintained that opposition politicians are organising themselves independently and cautioned against painting Uhuru as the mastermind behind any political campaign.
Kalonzo explained that an upcoming meeting of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Council, which Uhuru is expected to chair in his capacity as council chairperson, would focus on strengthening the coalition rather than plotting against the President. "The meeting is about building a stronger opposition, not orchestrating attacks on the government," he said.
Meanwhile, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has also weighed in on the matter, confirming that he maintains contact with the former President.
However, Sifuna dismissed reports suggesting that Uhuru is bankrolling the Linda Mwananchi movement, which has been critical of the Ruto administration's policies.
The political manoeuvring comes at a time when opposition leaders are noticeably intensifying their consultations. Since Kalonzo repeatedly ruled out any collaboration with President Ruto, opposition politicians have been engaging in a series of meetings aimed at finding common ground before the next election cycle.
The latest exchanges also shed light on the troubled relationship between Ruto and Uhuru. The two leaders, who were elected together in 2013 and re-elected in 2017, parted ways ahead of the 2022 election.
While Uhuru eventually backed Raila Odinga's presidential bid, Ruto successfully won the presidency. The split between the two former allies has since become one of the defining features of Kenyan politics.
Political analysts suggest that as we move closer to 2027, we can expect more of these public disagreements as various political players position themselves for the next contest.
The rhetoric from both sides shows that the battle for political supremacy in Kenya is heating up, with each camp trying to control the narrative and win public sympathy ahead of the elections.
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