Ruto Surprise Move After Uhuru Allegedly Receiving an Invitation as a Chief Guest Sparks Reactions

President William Ruto’s latest verbal attacks on former President Uhuru Kenyatta have sparked fresh political debate ahead of the first anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, where both leaders are expected to attend.

The commemorative event is scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Migwena Cultural and Sports Ground in Bondo, Siaya County. Reports indicate that the Odinga family invited Uhuru to serve as the chief guest, creating a potentially delicate situation given his strained relationship with the Head of State.

According to reports by the Daily Nation, sources within the wider Jaramogi family confirmed that the former president had been invited to the ceremony. Ruto is also expected to attend, raising questions about how the two leaders will interact during an event intended to honour Raila’s legacy.

The developments come amid escalating political tensions between Ruto and Uhuru, who have exchanged sharp accusations in recent months as political alignments begin taking shape ahead of the 2027 General Election.

On Monday, October 12, during a development tour in the North Rift region, Ruto launched a scathing attack on his predecessor, accusing him of betrayal and ingratitude.

The President claimed that he supported Uhuru during the 2013 and 2017 presidential elections under an informal political understanding that Uhuru would serve for ten years before he took over for another decade.

However, Ruto accused the retired president of abandoning him during the 2022 election campaign by supporting Raila, his main challenger at the time.

He further alleged that Uhuru had continued influencing opposition politics instead of withdrawing from active political affairs following his retirement from the presidency.

Ruto described Uhuru as one of the most ungrateful and deceitful people he had encountered, while urging him to retire from politics and allow the current administration to govern without interference.

The remarks have attracted attention because of their timing, coming just days before the two leaders are expected to attend the same memorial ceremony.

Other opposition figures reportedly expected at the event include Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, potentially bringing together leaders with differing political interests.

The situation has sparked debate over whether the commemorations will remain focused on remembering Raila or become an opportunity for political rivals to demonstrate their influence.

For the Odinga family, the priority will be to honour the late opposition leader while ensuring that political disagreements do not overshadow the occasion.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the gathering could provide a significant moment for Kenya’s political class, particularly if Ruto and Uhuru share the same platform amid their ongoing differences.

https://nation.africa/kenya/news/politics/dilemma-over-uhuru-role-in-raila-memorial-event–5628240#story

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