Uhuru to Kenyans: I warned you about Ruto

Addressing Jubilee Party delegates and aspirants from Kiambu County on Monday, May 25, the former president, who has become a target of criticism by government leaders who accuse him of plotting to destabilise Dr Ruto’s administration, said the distractions would not assuage public anger.

Mr Kenyatta reminded Kenyans how he warned them in 2022 against electing the current administration and told them to vote wisely in the next elections. The former president unsuccessfully backed ODM leader Raila Odinga under the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition in the last presidential election. 

Mr Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party has since declared former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i will be its presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election.

Dr Matiang’i is part of the United Opposition that brings together Mr Rigathi Gachagua of Democracy for the Citizens Party, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua of People’s Liberation Party, Justin Muturi of the Democratic Party and Eugene Wamalwa of DAP-K.

Analysts believe that the renewed fight between Mr Kenyatta and President Ruto could be linked to the struggle for control of the populous Mt Kenya ahead of the 2027 polls.

Dr Ruto dislodged Mr Kenyatta from the region in the 2022 polls by sweeping a majority of seats under his UDA party. Mr Kenyatta seems determined to regain influence. Remaining politically active is also seen as a form of protection for the vast Kenyatta family business interests.

Kenya Kwanza has consistently blamed Mr Kenyatta for attempts to destabilise Dr Ruto’s administration by allegedly sponsoring protests and financing political rallies by the opposition.

“When you start blaming people and try to divide them, how does that help this country move forward? The issues affecting Kenyans have no tribe, race, or religion,” Mr Kenyatta said.

“Kenyans are angry because of the high cost of living. They are crying out over soaring fuel prices, listen to Kenyans instead of shifting blame. If you need help, call us and together we will find solutions for the people of Kenya,” he added.

Read: 2027 irony: President with falling approval facing disunited Opposition 

The former president warned that the recent ethnic profiling by some UDA leaders risks plunging the country into political violence similar to what was witnessed in 2007.

“We have started seeing others spreading divisive ethnic politics. They don’t have shame while saying these things. They are making the remarks in front of leaders of our country, and nobody tries to stop them,” he said.

UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar has come under heavy criticism over remarks he made in the presence of President Ruto. His remarks were perceived to profile a particular ethnic community. Following public uproar, including condemnation by MPs from Mt Kenya allied to the president, Mr Omar issued an apology. 

Mr Kenyatta also revisited the “hustler versus dynasty” narrative that Dr Ruto exploited to ascend to power. In his 2022 campaign, Dr Ruto painted the Azimio group as elitist and out of touch with the people. He then endeared himself to the majority of the poor by promising to bring down the cost of living and create job opportunities for the unemployed youths.

“How have you benefited from dynasty or hustler politics? You were misled and I had warned you. I am here to remind you, and never say I never warned you. When they bring money, eat, but on voting day, vote right,” Mr Kenyatta said.

“My people, I have poured my heart to you and I beg you to have the wisdom to vote for leaders and not politicians,” he added, in an emotional appeal for Jubilee supporters to deny Dr Ruto a second term in office.

Jubilee Deputy party leader Jeremiah Kioni told the Nation that Mr Kenyatta came out in response to the growing trend of being used as a scapegoat by Kenya Kwanza. 

Read: Strange bedfellows: How ‘Wantam’ push is forging team of rivals against Ruto

“Anytime this government is faced with issues, they resort to diversionary tactics. They have used Uhuru as a scapegoat for a long time,” said Mr Kioni.

Former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu denounced ethnic mobilisation by some UDA officials and Mr Gachagua.

“He (Kenyatta) has instructed us to do politics of issues and policies, and to stop ethnic baiting, insults and finger-pointing,” said Mr Wambugu.

Mr Kenyatta also talked about the power struggles in the former ruling party, saying they were orchestrated by people who were working for their paymasters to disinherit genuine party founders and leaders.

Nominated MP Sabina Chege and former Kieni MP Kanini Kega, now a member of the East African Legislative Assembly, wanted to take over the leadership of Jubilee Party after a meeting with President Ruto at State House in early 2023.

Ms Chege and Mr Kega would later hold their National Executive Committee meetings and proceed to name Ms Chege as interim party leader and Mr Kega secretary-general.

The High Court and later Court of Appeal upheld Mr Kenyatta’s leadership and annulled decisions by the rival faction.

“Most of the problems we have been having as Jubilee Party are as a result of external aggression. We have been dragged in court for three years. But we remain undefeated and our focus is now grassroots mobilisation and voter registration,” Mr Kenyatta said.

“We are a national party that addresses issues affecting every Kenyan and no one has a right to divide any community,” Mr Kenyatta added.

Dr Matiang’i, Mr Kioni and party secretary-general Moitalel Ole Kenta attended Monday's meeting.

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