President William Ruto has intensified his war of words with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing the former head of state of failing to reciprocate the political support he received from him over the years.
Speaking in Homa Bay County this week, Ruto expressed frustration with Kenyatta's continued opposition to his administration, reminding the retired leader of their long history together in politics.
The President's comments mark another public escalation in the tension between the two leaders, who once stood together to take power but have since found themselves on opposing sides of Kenya's political divide. Ruto recalled how he had stood by Kenyatta through multiple electoral cycles, working tirelessly to ensure his political success.
According to Ruto, he even campaigned for Kenyatta when the latter needed support the most, but when the time came for Kenyatta to reciprocate, the retired president was nowhere to be found.
"I helped you at a time when you needed someone to help you. I stood with you in four elections, I helped you, I worked with you and worked for you," Ruto said, his words carrying a mix of disappointment and frustration.
The President went on to emphasize that while Kenyatta had every right to take a different political position, he had expected some loyalty given their shared history and mutual support.
What seems to have particularly irritated Ruto is not just Kenyatta's opposition, but what he describes as deliberate efforts to mobilize others against his government. The President has accused the retired leader of organizing demonstrations and supporting opposition formations that the government labels as "United Nothing" and "Alternative Nothing." For Ruto, this represents a betrayal of the dignity that should accompany the office of a retired president.
"You are a retired president. Respect your office. Go and relax, let us organise our country, Kenya," Ruto said, his tone reflecting both exasperation and a desire for Kenyatta to step back from active politics.
The President also took issue with what he believes are attempts by Kenyatta to frustrate some of his government's key programmes, including initiatives on universal health coverage and affordable housing.
On the economic front, Ruto has chosen to strike back with figures and achievements. He painted a picture of an administration that has worked hard to fix the mess it inherited from the previous government.
According to the President, his team has stabilised the economy, reduced inflation, increased foreign exchange reserves, and repaid most of the debts that were piling up when he took office. He specifically mentioned that the previous administration had left the economy in tatters, devastated by debt, but his government has since turned things around.
To back up his claims, Ruto highlighted specific achievements in key sectors. In education, he pointed to the hiring of 100,000 teachers and the construction of 23,000 classrooms as testament to his commitment to improving the sector.
On housing, the President claimed that his government had built 300,000 houses and completed 600 modern markets across the country. He also mentioned ongoing construction of 180,000 hostels for students in universities and technical institutions.
The President's remarks came as he toured Nyanza region, where he inspected and launched various development projects. During his visits, Ruto took the opportunity to challenge prospective political leaders to present clear agendas and workable solutions if they hope to succeed him in 2027. He argued that leaders without a clear vision and practical plans risk holding back the nation's progress and prosperity.
"Every leader aspiring to the leadership of Kenya must present to the country their agenda, plan and vision," Ruto said during a stop in Migori County. His comments reflect growing concerns within government circles about opposition efforts to build political alliances ahead of the next general election.
It appears Ruto is determined to set the terms of political debate and demand accountability from those who would challenge his leadership.
Despite his frustrations with Kenyatta, Ruto insists that national development should not be held hostage to individual political interests. He called on the retired president to allow his administration the space to implement its programmes without what he describes as political interference.
The President's underlying message seems to be that Kenya is bigger than any individual, including a retired president with significant political influence.
As the country heads towards 2027, it's clear that the relationship between Ruto and Kenyatta has moved from cool to openly confrontational. What was once seen as a natural political evolution—where the student surpassed the teacher—now appears to be a deepening rift that could shape Kenya's political landscape for years to come.
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