Ruto to Uhuru: You betrayed me after years of political loyalty

President William Ruto addresses residents of Ziwa-Sirikwa in Soy Constituency, Uasin Gishu on October 12, 2026./PCSPresident William Ruto has revisited his political split with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, recalling their years of cooperation and accusing his predecessor of failing to honour an understanding.

Speaking in Uasin Gishu County during his North Rift development tour, Ruto said he had supported Uhuru in the 2013 and 2017 elections, expecting the former president to back his presidential bid after serving two terms.

“I, William Ruto, voted for you four times. I stood with you when you began your journey to seek leadership. I stood with you in 2013. I stood with you in 2017. You said 10 years of Uhuru, 10 years of Ruto,” he said.

Ruto said their political relationship changed during the 2022 presidential election, when Uhuru backed Raila Odinga instead of his former deputy.

The president maintained that he had expected Uhuru to support his bid after years of working together in government.

“When the time came for you to stand with me, you avoided me, and you told Kenyans not to vote for me,” Ruto said.

Uhuru, who completed his two-term presidency in 2022, supported Odinga in the election, which Ruto won.

The President also questioned Uhuru’s continued participation in political affairs, urging him to step back from influencing the country’s electoral choices.

“My friend, please, retire,” Ruto said, criticising the former president’s involvement in political discussions and alliances ahead of the next election.

Ruto also brought up Uhuru’s relationships with other opposition figures, including the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, claiming the former president had misled them.

He further criticised Uhuru’s reported political association with Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i and other leaders seeking to challenge his administration.

The remarks signal renewed political friction between the two leaders as preparations for the 2027 General Election gather pace.

Ruto also appealed to residents of the Lake region, recalling their past political support for Uhuru and questioning why the former president would oppose him after their years of cooperation.

“You are the most ungrateful person I have met,” he said.

Beyond the political dispute, Ruto defended his administration’s record, arguing that it was addressing challenges inherited from the previous government in education, the economy, housing and healthcare.

He cited the employment of teachers, construction of classrooms and changes to the university funding model as measures taken by his administration to address problems in the education sector.

On the economy, Ruto said his government had revived growth and addressed inflation.

He also defended the affordable housing programme, citing the construction of houses, markets and student hostels as part of the administration’s development agenda.