Why Ruto allies are uneasy over Uhuru’s political re-entry

Ruto’s men have resisted what they see as Uhuru’s growing influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Despite leaving office three years ago, Kenyatta has remained at the centre of political discourse, drawing sharp criticism from leaders aligned to Ruto who accuse him of engaging in partisan politics while enjoying state-funded retirement benefits.

However, political observers argue that the backlash reflects deeper concerns within the ruling coalition about Uhuru’s enduring influence on Kenya’s political landscape.

Analysts note that Uhuru retains significant grassroots networks capable of mobilising support for a preferred candidate, a factor that could complicate Ruto’s re-election bid.

His perceived financial strength is also viewed as a critical asset in a political environment where campaign funding often shapes electoral outcomes.

“Uhuru still commands loyalty in key regions and has the capacity to influence alliances,” said a Nairobi-based political analyst.

“That, combined with resources and networks, makes him a formidable behind-the-scenes player.”

Uhuru’s recent endorsement of Jubilee deputy party leader and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has intensified the political storm.

Speaking via phone during a Jubilee Party meeting in Narok last Friday, Uhuru described Matiang’i as a capable leader fit for the presidency.

“I see Matiang’i as a strong and resilient leader. He may be new to politics, but he is a highly effective worker,” he said, while criticising leaders he accused of attempting to silence his political views.

The endorsement has been widely interpreted as a clear indication of Uhuru’s continued engagement in active politics, triggering swift backlash from Ruto’s allies.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei led the charge, warning that Uhuru risks losing his retirement benefits for allegedly breaching the law governing former presidents.

“The law states that if a president retires and fails to leave politics, the government, through the National Assembly, has the power to remove the retirement benefits,” Cherargei said.

“From next week, we are removing those retirement benefits.”

Cherargei has since sponsored a motion in the Senate seeking to review and possibly revoke Kenyatta’s benefits under the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act.

The motion argues that the perks—funded by taxpayers—are conditional on a retired president maintaining political neutrality.

“Parliament resolves that the retirement benefits and allowances accruing to the retired President be withdrawn and/or reduced,” the motion states.

It further calls for the Office of the Auditor-General to conduct a comprehensive audit of public resources allocated to Kenyatta since he left office in 2022.

The audit, if approved, would be completed within 60 days and guide further parliamentary action.

According to the proposal, any funds recovered should be redirected “to serve the interests and welfare of the people of Kenya.”

Cherargei’s motion cites several instances in which Kenyatta is alleged to have crossed into partisan politics, including attending political rallies, issuing politically charged statements and engaging in consultations linked to electoral contests.

“These actions, if established, amount to active engagement in political party activities contrary to the spirit and letter of the Act,” the motion reads.

The push against Kenyatta comes amid sustained criticism from members of the ruling coalition, who accuse him of undermining the government while continuing to benefit from state privileges accorded to retired presidents.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot echoed these sentiments, linking respect for a former head of state to adherence to the expectations of retirement.

“If you behave yourself like a retired president, people will respect you. But if you misbehave, people will deal with you as it is supposed to be dealt with,” Cheruiyot said.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

Allies of William Ruto are uneasy over Uhuru Kenyatta’s political re-entry due to his enduring influence, financial capacity and strong grassroots networks that could shape the 2027 elections. His endorsement of Fred Matiang’i signals active engagement, prompting backlash framed around legality and retirement benefits. However, analysts see this as defensive politics, with Ruto’s camp wary of a resurgent rival capable of mobilising alliances and challenging the current power structure.