Ruto Allies Turn Fire on Uhuru Over Alleged Opposition Coalition Ahead of 2027
President William Ruto’s allies have stepped up their criticism of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of being involved in efforts to build a political alliance capable of challenging the Kenya Kwanza administration in the 2027 General Election.
The renewed political confrontation has brought the relationship between Ruto and his former political ally back into the spotlight, with both camps increasingly positioning themselves ahead of the next presidential contest.
Speaking during a church service at AIC Watuka in Mbooni Constituency on Sunday, Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse criticised Uhuru over what he described as attempts to mobilise political forces against President Ruto.
Mutuse argued that Ruto had remained loyal to Uhuru throughout his decade in power and played a significant role in helping him secure victory in the 2013 and 2017 presidential elections.
“It is unfortunate for the former President to turn against the very leader who stood with him throughout his presidency,” Mutuse said.
The legislator further argued that Uhuru should acknowledge what he described as the achievements of the Ruto administration instead of becoming involved in efforts to challenge the government politically.
Mutuse also called on the former President to step back from active politics, arguing that Kenyans elected Ruto in 2022 and should be allowed to assess his administration’s record.
Opposition alliance speculation grows
The remarks come as opposition parties and political leaders intensify consultations over possible cooperation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Much of the speculation has centred on the future of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition and the role Uhuru could play in efforts to reorganise opposition forces.
Uhuru remains chairman of the Azimio Council, a position that has placed him at the centre of discussions over the coalition’s future and the possibility of broader opposition cooperation.
However, Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has rejected suggestions that Uhuru is personally directing an anti-Ruto campaign.
Speaking at ACK Cathedral in Embu, Kalonzo maintained that opposition leaders were independently organising themselves and said the upcoming Azimio meeting should not automatically be interpreted as a plot against President Ruto.
According to Kalonzo, the meeting is intended to strengthen the coalition and discuss its political direction rather than serve as a platform for Uhuru to orchestrate a campaign against the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Sifuna rejects claims of Uhuru funding
The political debate has also extended to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Sifuna has repeatedly rejected claims that Uhuru is financing the movement, insisting that its activities are supported by ordinary citizens, leaders and other well-wishers.
In a recent interview, Sifuna said he was “not being funded by Uhuru” and maintained that the movement could account for its expenditure. Recent reports have also documented his rejection of claims that the former President is bankrolling Linda Mwananchi.
The claims nevertheless remain part of the wider political contest. In July, reports quoted other political figures making allegations linking Uhuru to Sifuna’s political activities, although Sifuna has consistently disputed the accusations.
Ruto-Uhuru alliance now a political fault line
The latest confrontation also revives one of the most significant political splits in recent Kenyan politics.
Ruto and Uhuru were elected together on a Jubilee ticket in 2013 and successfully defended their positions in the 2017 election. Their political relationship subsequently deteriorated, particularly after Uhuru’s rapprochement with opposition leader Raila Odinga following the 2018 “Handshake”.
By the 2022 General Election, the two former allies were on opposing sides, with Uhuru supporting Raila’s presidential bid while Ruto successfully campaigned for the presidency.
Three years before the next General Election, their political rivalry is once again becoming a major feature of Kenya’s emerging electoral landscape.
For Ruto’s allies, the growing opposition consultations represent an attempt to undermine the administration before it can consolidate its political base. For opposition figures, however, the discussions are part of efforts to create a stronger and more coordinated alternative ahead of 2027.
With political alliances still fluid, the question of whether Uhuru will remain a behind-the-scenes elder statesman or assume a more active role in opposition mobilisation is likely to remain a major issue as Kenya moves closer to the 2027 election.
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