On October 12, 2026, President William Ruto launched a direct political attack on retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of funding opposition figures to derail the current administration's nationwide development agenda. Ruto made these claims during a Sunday service at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Matunda, Likuyani Constituency. He stated that Uhuru feels uneasy about the government’s progress in delivering development projects across Kenya.

Ruto argued that opposition to his leadership stems from past failures to achieve fair and balanced nationwide progress during the previous regime. He emphasized that his administration's goal is to ensure equal treatment and resource distribution across all regions, regardless of political alignment or ethnic affiliation. The president highlighted key flagship initiatives, such as affordable housing, major road infrastructure, and industrial aggregation parks.

Ruto insisted that these initiatives must roll out in every region, citing that there are people who are mad at him because he has advocated for equitable development. He expressed his commitment to ensuring that all parts of the country receive state resources, saying, "Affordable housing should also come here, roads too, and industrial aggregation parks."

The president directly addressed the alleged sponsorship of anti-government criticism, claiming opposition forces want to shield previously neglected regions from receiving state resources. Ruto stated that his administration is aware of the opposition's capacity and what they can achieve. He warned that he would stand firm against efforts designed to obstruct his administration.

Issuing a clear warning to his political rivals, Ruto asserted that he would deal with those sponsoring opposition to his leadership. He emphasized that the opposition's tactics are not new and that his administration is prepared to counter them. Ruto reaffirmed his goal to unite the country through equitable resource distribution and condemned tribalism, marginalization, and divisive political strategies.

Ruto reflected on national politics, stating that his administration aims to bring all Kenyans together and eliminate politics of hatred, tribalism, and marginalization. He expressed confidence that Kenyans will be stronger together as a nation. The president's remarks come amid ongoing efforts to implement his administration's development agenda across the country.

The development agenda has been a key focus of Ruto's presidency, with his administration working to deliver projects across all regions. The president's warning to alleged opposition sponsors signals a continued commitment to pushing forward with his administration's goals, despite opposition from various quarters. Ruto's stance has sparked mixed reactions, with some Kenyans supporting his efforts to promote equitable development.

Key points

  • President Ruto accuses former President Uhuru Kenyatta of funding opposition to undermine his administration's development agenda.
  • Ruto vows to deal with those sponsoring opposition to his leadership.
  • The president reaffirms his goal to unite Kenya through equitable resource distribution.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.