You can’t gag me, Uhuru tells Ruto as war of words escalates
Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has publicly rejected accusations from President William Ruto that he is funding opposition politicians. Kenyatta defended his constitutional right to political expression and warned against attempts to restrict democratic freedoms ahead of the 2027 election.
Why it matters
The escalating rhetoric between the current and former president highlights deepening political polarization in Kenya.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leaders during the memorial service of the late former Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa in Kitale on Sunday/ HANDOUT Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has told off his successor, President William Ruto, over sustained political attacks against him ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Uhuru warned against attempts to gag his political rights and dismissed Ruto’s claims that he is sponsoring opposition politicians seeking to unseat him.
“We are a democratic society and those democratic ideals were fought for hard by the man we are honouring today,” he said.
Speaking during the 23 rd memorial service of the late former Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa in Kitale, Uhuru said attempts to restrict political freedom were unconstitutional and risked taking the country backwards.
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