President William Ruto has urged retired President Uhuru Kenyatta to stop opposing his administration, while revisiting the political differences that emerged between the two leaders ahead of the 2022 General Election.
Speaking at a rally in Sindo, Homa Bay County, on Thursday, September 17, Ruto renewed his criticism of his predecessor, claiming that he had stood by Kenyatta during four presidential elections and expected similar support when he sought the presidency.
According to Ruto, the two had reached a political understanding under which each would serve for 10 years, but he accused Kenyatta of failing to honour the arrangement.
“As I stand here in Sindo, Homa Bay County, I want to urge the former President Uhuru Kenyatta. I was there for you when you needed someone to stand with you in four elections,” Ruto said.
“I stood with you, helped you and worked for you. When time came for you to help me, you did not go as we had agreed. We had agreed 10 for you and 10 for me, but you did not keep the promise.”
Despite his criticism, Ruto acknowledged that Kenyatta had the democratic right to choose not to support his 2022 presidential bid.
“You told us 10 for Ruto, 10 for Uhuru Kenyatta. But when you never showed up, instead you walked against me. I have no issue because it is your democratic right,” he noted.
The President also defended his administration's performance, highlighting measures he said had been implemented since he succeeded Kenyatta in September 2022.
“We have hired 100,000 teachers. We have made sure that CBC is understood by the public. We have built 23,000 classrooms,” Ruto stated.
He further pointed to the government's affordable housing programme, claiming that 300,000 houses had been constructed, as well as the establishment of 600 markets across the country.
Ruto then directly called on Kenyatta to allow his administration to govern, accusing the retired president of working against the government.
“For the last four years, you have been undermining this administration. For the last four years, you have sabotaged this administration. You have organised demonstrations,” Ruto alleged.
“I want to request you in all humility. Stop undermining the administration. You are a retired president. Respect your office.”
The remarks came shortly after Kenyatta announced that he would relinquish his position as Jubilee Party leader following a High Court ruling that barred retired presidents from continuing to hold political party leadership positions beyond six months after leaving office.
In a statement issued on September 15, Kenyatta said he would comply with the court ruling and oversee the transition of Jubilee's leadership in accordance with the decision.
"The Office of the former President has taken note of the High Court's ruling upholding Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, which guides the transition of retired presidents from formal political party leadership," Uhuru stated.
Kenyatta added that the ruling had cleared the way for the long-delayed transfer of the Jubilee Party chairmanship, which had been held up by an internal dispute.
