UhuRuto rivalry returns as 2027 battle takes shape
Kenyan President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta have reignited their political rivalry ahead of the 2027 General Election. Ruto publicly criticized Kenyatta for failing to support his 2022 presidential bid, marking a sharp turn from their previous decade-long political alliance.
Why it matters
The breakdown of the UhuRuto alliance significantly alters the political landscape of Kenya and could lead to increased instability or shifting coalitions in the upcoming election cycle.
A photo collage of President William Ruto and his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta./FILE The long-running political rivalry between President William Ruto and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has resurfaced, with the former allies exchanging barbs as Kenya’s political class positions itself ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The latest exchanges have revived the UhuRuto factor in Kenyan politics, with the two leaders now on opposing sides after years of political partnership.
On Monday, Ruto accused Uhuru of failing to support his presidential bid in 2022 despite backing him in previous elections.
“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,” Ruto said in Uasin Gishu.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in