President William Ruto has renewed his criticism of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of opposing his administration and urging him to respect the dignity of the office of former president.
Speaking in Homa Bay town, Ruto said Uhuru had not supported his administration politically despite what he described as his own support for Uhuru during his rise to power.
“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.
He said Uhuru had a democratic right to oppose him but claimed the retired President had not supported him when he expected his backing.
“I want to tell him, you did not support me because it is your democratic right. You told us 10 for Uhuru, 10 for Ruto, but when the time came for you to support me, you never showed up. Instead, you went against me,” he said.
Ruto said he had no problem with Uhuru taking a different political position but accused him of repeatedly opposing his administration.
“When the time came for you to help me, not even one day have you supported me,” he said.
The President also accused Uhuru of being involved in efforts to mobilise opposition against his administration, saying the country was bigger than any individual.
“Please, whatever you are planning with these people from Linda Sponsor or whatever it is, saying that you have told them to come and oppose us... My brother, the country is bigger than any individual, including you. Let Kenya move forward,” Ruto said.
Ruto further accused the retired President of seeking to frustrate some of the government's programmes, including universal health coverage and affordable housing.
He also defended his administration's economic record, claiming it had stabilised the economy, reduced inflation, increased foreign exchange reserves and repaid most of the debts he said were inherited from the previous government.
“The economy that you left in tatters, we have stabilised it. We have repaid most of the debts, we have reduced inflation, we have doubled our foreign exchange reserves,” he said.
Ruto cited the hiring of 100,000 teachers, construction of 23,000 classrooms and reforms in the education sector as some of his administration's achievements.
On housing, he claimed that 300,000 houses had been built and that 600 modern markets had been completed across the country.
He added that the government was constructing 180,000 hostels for students in universities, Kenya Medical Training Colleges and technical and vocational education institutions.
“Give us a chance. Stop disturbing us. I have fixed the mess you left us,” Ruto said.
The President also criticised Uhuru, accusing him of organising demonstrations and supporting opposition formations, which he referred to as “United Nothing” and “Alternative Nothing”.
Ruto said Uhuru's continued political activity was, in his view, undermining the dignity of the office he previously held.
“You are a retired president. Respect your office. Go and relax, let us organise our country, Kenya,” Ruto said.
Ruto said his administration should be allowed to implement its agenda without what he described as political interference.
He said the government had made progress in health, education and infrastructure and defended its approach to addressing challenges that he said had been inherited from the previous administration.
Ruto urged Kenyatta to allow the government to continue implementing its agenda, arguing that national development should not be held back by individual political interests.
“Let Kenya move forward, my friend,” he said.
The President spoke during his tour of Nyanza, where he inspected and launched development projects, including modern markets, roads, affordable housing and water infrastructure.
During the tour, Ruto also challenged leaders seeking to succeed him to present clear agendas, practical plans and workable solutions.
“Leaders without a clear vision, practical plans and workable solutions risk holding back the progress and prosperity of our nation,” Ruto said during his visit to Migori County.
“Every leader aspiring to the leadership of Kenya must present to the country their agenda, plan and vision.”
Ruto's remarks came amid efforts by opposition leaders to build political alliances ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He also defended his administration's economic record, saying it inherited a difficult financial situation and had taken steps to stabilise the economy.
“God helped me to become the President of the Republic of Kenya,” Ruto said.
“My brother Uhuru Kenyatta, please, the economy which was devastated by debts, I have repaired it.”
Ruto also claimed that his government had improved the education system and expanded infrastructure in response to challenges he said were inherited from the previous administration.
