Ruto’s Crackdown on Uhuru: A Brewing Political Storm in Kenya

In the high-stakes arena of Kenyan politics, old alliances are rapidly breaking down as President William Ruto steps up efforts to sideline his predecessor, former President Uhuru Kenyatta. What started as a relatively smooth power transition in 2022 has now turned into open confrontation, with Ruto’s allies directly targeting Uhuru’s lingering influence as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.The latest escalation occurred in early May 2026 when Nandi Senator Samson Cherarkey, a key Ruto supporter, moved to review and potentially revoke Uhuru’s retirement benefits.

These benefits include a generous pension, state security, and other privileges traditionally granted to former presidents. According to Cherarkey and other Kenya Kwanza loyalists, Uhuru should lose these perks because he is allegedly still actively involved in politics, contrary to the expected role of a retired leader.Ruto’s camp accuses Uhuru of funding opposition groups and broader anti-government efforts aimed at weakening the current administration. They claim the former president is bankrolling movements and activities designed to undermine Ruto’s government.

Tensions have been building for months, with Ruto allies criticising Uhuru for his public comments on the economy, national issues, and perceived interference in ongoing political realignments.The fallout reflects deep divisions within Kenya’s political elite. Uhuru, who once supported Ruto during the 2022 campaign following the famous “handshake” era, has since pulled away. Reports suggest growing personal and political rifts, including disagreements during regional diplomatic engagements. Ruto’s team sees Uhuru’s continued public profile, meetings, and behind-the-scenes activities as a serious threat to their re-election plans in 2027.Critics of this approach warn that targeting a former president’s benefits sets a dangerous precedent. It raises serious questions about political tolerance, respect for institutions, and the maturity of Kenya’s democracy. Opposition figures and neutral observers view the moves as an attempt to silence potential dissent and consolidate power ahead of the next election.

Uhuru’s supporters, including several MPs, have hit back, describing the attacks as unfair and urging Ruto to focus on service delivery instead of political vendettas.For President Ruto, the strategy seems calculated to neutralise influential figures who could sway voters or kingmakers in the lead-up to 2027. By pressuring Uhuru, the administration is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate perceived sabotage from the old guard. However, this aggressive stance risks alienating large voting blocs, especially in Central Kenya where Uhuru still commands significant respect and loyalty.

As Kenya edges closer to another intense election cycle, the Ruto-Uhuru saga highlights the unpredictable and often personal nature of succession politics in the country. Whether the conflict leads to formal action or remains a war of words, it exposes underlying fractures in the political system. Kenyans are watching closely, hoping that these elite battles eventually translate into better governance and national progress rather than endless power struggles.(Word count: 448 – approximately 3 minutes reading time at a natural pace.)