I Tried to Bring Uhuru on Board, but He Chose Opposition - Ruto

President William Ruto has accused his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, of choosing to remain active in opposition politics instead of taking on the role of a statesman and unifying figure after leaving office. 

In an interview, Ruto said Uhuru had an opportunity to rise above political competition and contribute to national unity, but instead opted to take an active role in organising opposition against the current administration.

"My predecessor had an option to become a statesman and rise above politics and, you know, become a unifying factor in a country. But he chose to climb down and become an opposition leader; that was your own statement, your own headline. He's busy organizing the opposition against me," he said.

Ruto said he made deliberate efforts to reach out to his predecessor because of their previous working relationship, including personally visiting Uhuru at his home in Ichaweri and later meeting him at his Nairobi office.

"I have tried to persuade him because I thought he's my former boss; I went out of my way. I looked for him. I went and saw him, first in Ichaweri. I also came and saw him in his office in Nairobi," he added.

Ruto said he subsequently appealed to Uhuru, as Kenya's only living former Head of State, to help in shaping a new national vision rather than engaging in opposition politics.

"I then talked to him to persuade him that, look, as a former head of state, the only one living now, please help us to forge a new vision for the country. But he was reluctant, and he said he wasn't sure he wanted to do that," he further said.

Meanwhile, Uhuru has responded to Ruto’s repeated claims that he is funding opposition politicians seeking to challenge the President in the 2027 General Election. 

Speaking in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, on Sunday, August 16, during the annual memorial service for former Vice-President Michael Kijana Wamalwa, Uhuru distanced himself from being described as a political “sponsor”, saying Kenyans should be allowed to make their own political choices. 

"I do not want to be called a sponsor. I do not want many issues. The choice belongs to the people, and there is no need to force any Kenyan to go to this side or that side," he said.

Uhuru said politicians seeking votes should do so peacefully and allow voters to decide who they want to support.

"If it is about asking for votes, let us do it in peace. Kenyans know who they want. If they say they want Kalonzo, it is Kalonzo; if they say they want Ruto, it is Ruto; if they say they want Matiang’i, it is Matiang’i; and if they say they want Sifuna, it is Sifuna. Whoever they decide, it is up to them," he opined.

Uhuru also dismissed suggestions that he was seeking political office or interfering in current political affairs, stating that: "Do not say that I am interfering with politics. I am not interested in any political seat."

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