President William Ruto says he made several attempts to bring former President Uhuru Kenyatta into his administration’s efforts to promote national unity, but Uhuru instead chose to remain involved in opposition politics.
Ruto said Uhuru had an opportunity, after leaving office, to rise above political competition and assume the role of a statesman and unifying figure. Instead, he accused his predecessor of actively helping to organise the opposition against his administration.
Ruto made the remarks during a recent interview, saying he had personally reached out to Uhuru because of their history of working together.
According to Ruto, he first visited Uhuru at his home in Ichaweri before later meeting him at his Nairobi office in an effort to persuade him to support a broader national agenda.
He said he subsequently appealed to Uhuru, as Kenya’s only living former Head of State, to help develop a new vision for the country rather than becoming involved in opposition politics.
Ruto, however, said Uhuru was reluctant to take up the proposal and expressed uncertainty about whether he wanted to participate.
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The remarks come amid an ongoing political disagreement between the two leaders, with Ruto repeatedly accusing Uhuru of supporting opposition figures preparing to challenge his administration in the 2027 General Election.
Uhuru has rejected claims that he is a political sponsor, insisting that Kenyans should be free to choose their preferred leaders without being influenced or directed.
Speaking in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, during a memorial service for former Vice-President Michael Kijana Wamalwa, Uhuru said he did not want to be labelled a political sponsor.
He maintained that politicians should campaign peacefully and allow voters to decide whom they want to support.
Uhuru also dismissed speculation that he was seeking a political position or attempting to interfere in current political affairs, saying he had no interest in occupying any elective office.