Ruto Fires Back at Uhuru Over ‘Uji’ Remarks, Sends Strong Message Ahead of 2027 Elections

President William Ruto has responded to former President Uhuru Kenyatta following his latest remarks about Kenya’s political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during a rally in Kisii County on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, Ruto questioned Uhuru’s assessment of public opinion, challenging him to seek views from Kenyans engaged in productive activities rather than relying on conversations in drinking establishments.

The President’s response followed Uhuru’s comments about moving around the country, listening to ordinary citizens and understanding their concerns. The former Head of State had suggested that Kenyans already knew the political direction they wanted, urging opposition leaders to put their differences aside.

Ruto dismissed the assessment and challenged his predecessor to speak to farmers, teachers, doctors, businesspeople and workers involved in government projects to understand the country’s situation.

The President specifically questioned the sources of information informing Uhuru’s political observations, suggesting that opinions gathered from people under the influence of alcohol could not provide an accurate picture of public sentiment.

Ruto also defended his administration’s performance, maintaining that Kenyans involved in economic activities were better placed to assess the government’s progress.

The exchange comes as political leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the August 2027 General Election, with discussions about opposition unity and the possibility of a united challenge against the ruling coalition gaining momentum.

Uhuru had earlier urged opposition leaders to overcome personal ambitions and agree on a common political direction. He argued that the opposition needed to recognise that only one person could occupy the presidency at a time.

His message was directed at leaders seeking to challenge Ruto in 2027, many of whom have expressed presidential ambitions while maintaining different political positions.

The former president’s remarks have attracted attention because of his continued involvement in national political discussions despite leaving office in 2022.

Uhuru served as Kenya’s fourth president from 2013 to 2022. During his final years in office, his relationship with Ruto deteriorated after he supported Raila Odinga’s presidential bid in the 2022 elections.

Ruto, who served as Uhuru’s deputy for ten years, eventually won the presidential election against Odinga, marking the end of their political partnership.

Since taking office, Ruto has occasionally criticised his predecessor over their political differences, while Uhuru has maintained his right to comment on national affairs.

The latest exchange highlights the growing political differences between the two leaders as the country approaches another election cycle.

With opposition leaders still facing the challenge of agreeing on a common presidential candidate, Uhuru’s calls for unity could become increasingly significant.

Meanwhile, Ruto continues to defend his administration and challenge critics over its performance.

The question now is whether the opposition will overcome its internal divisions and present a united challenge in 2027, or whether the disagreements will give the ruling coalition an advantage in the coming election.

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