Ruto Accuses Uhuru Kenyatta of Funding Opposition as Political Tensions Rise

President William Ruto has intensified his attacks on retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of sponsoring opposition activities aimed at weakening his administration and pushing him out of office.

In his meeting with residents in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, on Thursday, Ruto challenged Uhuru’s track when he indicated that he had not been able to address some key challenges during his term as president, such as housing, access to education and health services.

Ruto said Uhuru had turned against political actors that did not like his government because of his failure to deliver on those issues when in power. He has also rejected the opposition parties opposing his government saying they have no policy, plan and alternative agenda for the country.

The President called on Kenyans to assess leaders on their track record and not political jargon like “one term” and “must go.” He said that it was essential for political opponents to show the nation what they want to do rather than just campaign against his government.

Ruto pointed to his government’s “Low cost housing” initiative as one of the most important ones providing job opportunities, especially for youth. He referred to the continuous building of houses, market and hostels all over the country providing job opportunities to thousands of people.

In his address to the youth in the affordable housing programme, Ruto urged them to be ready for more opportunities in the extension of the construction projects. He stated that he was looking forward to seeing the programme being sustained for many years, and hoped that in the long run, Kenya will become a big construction hub.

The President’s remarks come as there is increasing allegations by the top Kenya Kwanza party officials that Uhuru is funding the Linda Mwananchi movement and other opposition activities.

On July 24, 2026, Senators Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot also made the same allegations during an empowerment meeting in Taita Taveta County. Cheruiyot severely condemned members of the Linda Mwananchi movement saying they were being funded to do “political warfare” against Ruto, accusing them of “all manner of malfeasance”.

But the opposition leaders have disavowed the claims. Uhuru is not engaged in any political activities, let alone giving money to the opposition, said Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

During the Explainer programme on Citizen TV on July 28, Sifuna admitted he had been talking with Uhuru, who was the leader of the Azimio coalition. But the former President’s contribution was mostly a motivational one for the youth to engage in leadership and public affairs, he said.

Sifuna said Uhuru has inspired the younger people to become leaders, albeit publicly, and that is no justification for his alleged funding of opposition activities.

The rival claims have further fueled the growing political tension in the country with the opposition leaders and groups criticizing the administration of the President, Ruto. The President has been championing his government’s development achievements while opposition leaders say the people of Kenya should hold it to account in both its performance and political track.

The jibe between Ruto and those who are loyal to the former president is a major political issue in Kenya, and both sides are now “trolling” the population to influence the elections that are around the corner.