When President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta met at Ichaweri in December, many political analysts saw it as a moment of reconciliation—a possible truce between two leaders whose fallout shaped Kenya’s 2022 General Election.
The meeting sparked speculation of a renewed alliance, with some even predicting that Uhuru was making a political comeback under Ruto’s administration.
However, the hope of unity was short-lived. Just weeks later, the two leaders launched public verbal attacks against each other, exposing the deep political and ideological rifts that remain unresolved.
What began as a handshake at Ichaweri quickly spiraled into accusations, counter-accusations, and a battle for influence over Kenya’s future.
Ruto’s appointment of former Uhuru allies—Mutahi Kagwe, Lee Kinyanjui, and William Kabogo—to his Cabinet was seen as a gesture of goodwill, but critics argue it was more of a strategic move to win over Uhuru’s political base in Mount Kenya.
The region has remained a battleground, with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua asserting himself as the region’s de facto leader while facing resistance from some local leaders.
Uhuru, on the other hand, made it clear that he had no interest in political appointments.
Reports indicate that during the Ichaweri meeting, he told Ruto to focus on good governance, respect for the rule of law, and addressing the country’s economic crisis rather than seeking political alliances.
The turning point came when Uhuru, while speaking at the burial of his cousin, took a subtle but sharp jab at Ruto, encouraging Gen Z to “fight for their rights” and not sit back while their future was determined by others.
While he did not directly name the President, the message was clear—it was a call for youth activism and a challenge to Ruto’s administration.
Ruto wasted no time in responding. In what seemed to be a direct rebuttal to Uhuru, the President accused unnamed figures of “inciting the youth into violence and destruction.”
He insisted that young people needed jobs and economic opportunities, not political agitation.
This exchange highlighted not only the ideological differences between the two leaders but also the unresolved tensions stemming from the last election.
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Uhuru continues to position himself as a statesman concerned with governance and democracy, while Ruto remains focused on consolidating his power and dealing with internal party struggles.
Beyond the personal feud, this political drama signals deeper divisions within the Kenyan political landscape.
The battle for Mount Kenya remains fierce, with Gachagua pushing for regional dominance, Uhuru maintaining his influence, and Ruto trying to balance loyalty within his government.
Moreover, the 2027 election is already casting a shadow over these developments. If Uhuru remains politically active, his influence could reshape opposition politics or even create new power alignments.
Meanwhile, Ruto is keen to secure his re-election bid by keeping the region firmly in his grip while on the other hand Uhuru is seem to be working with impeached deputy president Rigathi Gachagua to unity and block mount Kenya votes.
