President William Ruto has accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of working behind the scenes to strengthen his political opponents, as he stepped up his criticism of the retired Head of State during a visit to Eldoret.
Ruto claimed Uhuru, whom he referred to as the sponsor of the Opposition, was now sending political allies to challenge his administration after failing to deliver on key issues during his time in office.
“Mkipima wale watu, ule sponsor wao, alishindwa na maneno ya Affordable Housing? Alishindwa na mambo ya Universal Health Coverage? Alishindwa na maneno ya kusomesha watoto wetu?” Ruto posed.
The President said his government had embarked on projects that were delivering jobs and improving opportunities for Kenyans, unlike the political campaigns he accused his opponents of running.
“Sasa ameenda kupanga vibaraka wake, anatuma hapa watu kuja kushindana na mimi. Hawa watu nitawaosha asubuhi na mapema. Wale watu, umeskia maono ama sera zao? Wale majamaa hawana mpango, sera, agenda na hata akili.”
He challenged those seeking to unseat him to explain what they would do differently instead of using slogans such as “one term” and “must go”.
“Kila kiongozi anapimwa na kazi amefanya. Hakuna mtu atakuja kututapeli hapa ati kasongo, one term, must go, alafu tumpe kazi, hiyo ni ufala bana,” he stated.
Ruto pointed to affordable housing developments, new markets and hostels as some of the projects his administration has undertaken, saying they were also opening employment opportunities for young people.
He urged young workers involved in the housing programme to look beyond their current jobs, promising that more construction work would follow if he gets another term.
“Nyinyi vijana, hii kazi ya Affordable Housing mkimaliza, niko na kazi ingine. Anzeni kujipanga. Hii kazi nataka tuendelee kwa miaka 20, tufanye Kenya iwe construction site, ndo Kenya iwe nchi ambayo tunaweza kujivunia.”
The latest accusations follow claims from Kenya Kwanza leaders that Uhuru is behind the Linda Mwananchi movement and is providing financial support to groups opposed to Ruto.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot had made a similar allegation on July 24, 2026, during an empowerment event in Taita Taveta County, where he attacked members of the movement and claimed they were being supported by the retired President.
“Wiki iliyopita wale wakora wa sijui Linda nini walikuwa hapa. Wacha niwaambie, kama kuna drug dealers, washerati, extortionists, wezi na wakora, ni kile kikundi kilikuwa hapa. Nawajua wote. Eti sasa wananunuliwa na yule jamaa mstaafu, eti endeni mkamchafulie jina Rais na kutuambia eti one term...” Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot stated during an empowerment event in Taita Taveta County on July 24, 2026.
The allegations have, however, been rejected by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who said Uhuru’s engagement with the Opposition does not include financial support.
“I speak to him because he's the party leader of Azimio. I do speak to Uhuru, yeah. He does not provide financial assistance, maybe just encouraging us,” Sifuna stated during Citizen TV's Explainer on July 28, 2026.
Sifuna said the former President has instead used his public appearances to encourage young Kenyans to seek leadership positions.
“When he speaks, and he does it in public, he says young people need to be encouraged to take leadership. You've heard him saying it.”