BUNGOMA, Kenya — President William Ruto has intensified his attacks on his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing the former President of sponsoring the United Opposition and seeking to undermine his administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Friday 14, August 2026 while inspecting the Bukembe-Mutomolu road construction project in Bungoma County, Ruto described Uhuru as the alleged “sponsor” behind opposition politicians campaigning against his administration.
The President vowed to defeat the opposition at next year’s election, portraying its leaders as proxies of his former political ally.
“Kuna sponsor ametuma wale jamaa wanashindana na mimi… Ni mafala sana… Ukiwauliza wanakuambia wametumwa waseme ‘one-term’,” Ruto said.
The remarks mark another escalation in the increasingly public political confrontation between Ruto and Uhuru, who worked together during Ruto’s tenure as Deputy President before their relationship deteriorated after the 2022 election.
Ruto accuses Uhuru of backing opposition
Ruto alleged that the opposition leaders campaigning against him were acting on instructions from an unnamed sponsor whom he identified as Uhuru.
He said the alleged sponsor had failed to provide the opposition with a coherent political programme and predicted that his administration would defeat the opposition in 2027.
“Sponsor wao hajawapea syllabus… Yule sponsor wa wale jamaa alishindwa na miradi… Hao jamaa nitawashinda asubuhi na mapema,” Ruto said.
Ruto’s reference to a “sponsor” was understood as a reference to Uhuru, whom he has increasingly accused of supporting political forces opposed to his administration.
The President did not provide evidence during the address to substantiate the allegation that Uhuru was financing or directing the opposition.
Ruto attacks Uhuru’s record
Ruto also criticised Uhuru’s record during his two terms as President, accusing him of failing to deliver on projects and programmes that he had promised Kenyans.
Ruto said he had helped Uhuru ascend to the presidency but claimed his former boss failed to deliver on key priorities.
“Yule sponsor wa hii watu mimi nilimbebaa… lakini alishindwa kuleta affordable housing na universal health care,” Ruto said.
The President has increasingly invoked Uhuru’s record as he defends his own administration against opposition criticism.
He also questioned the resources allegedly being provided to opposition politicians, sarcastically suggesting that their alleged sponsor was not giving them enough money to fund their political activities.
“Hawapei hata hao pesa ya kutosha… Sasa wanachanga pesa ya mafuta na wewe ni billionaire,” he said.
The claims about Uhuru’s alleged financial support for opposition activities remain political allegations and have not been independently established.
Ruto vows to defeat United Opposition
Ruto’s latest remarks come as opposition parties and political leaders explore ways of building a united front ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The President has increasingly framed the emerging opposition alliance as a coordinated effort to deny him a second term.
He has also criticised opposition politicians for campaigning around slogans such as “one term” rather than presenting what he considers a credible alternative governing agenda.
Ruto has vowed to defeat the opposition and secure another term in office.
The increasingly direct attacks on Uhuru also point to the former President’s continued political influence despite his absence from the 2027 presidential ballot.
Ruto announces funding for school activities
Earlier on Friday, Ruto announced a separate policy measure targeting education and talent development.
Speaking during the 2026 National Music Festival Gala at Bungoma State Lodge, the President said education co-curricular activities, including music, drama and sports, would receive a dedicated budget allocation.
The move, he said, was aimed at promoting skills and nurturing talent among learners.
Also Read: Gachagua tells Ruto to stop blaming Uhuru, declares himself main 2027 rival
The announcement comes as the government seeks to expand opportunities for young people in creative and sporting fields.
Ruto has also directed the establishment of a Kenya National Talent Search, a year-round programme intended to identify and nurture talent in music, acting, comedy, poetry, film, dance, sport and other fields.
The President has further directed schools to adopt “Kenya Beyond 2030” as a theme for creative activities from next year, linking school competitions to his administration’s broader vision for the country’s future.
Ruto-Uhuru political feud deepens
The latest remarks deepen an increasingly bitter political exchange between the two former allies.
Uhuru backed Ruto’s presidential bid in the 2013 and 2017 elections, but their relationship deteriorated during Ruto’s second term as deputy president.
Ruto subsequently won the 2022 presidential election after campaigning against some of the policies and political positions associated with the outgoing administration.
The two have since occupied opposing political camps, with Ruto now accusing Uhuru of backing efforts to remove him from office.
With the 2027 election approaching, the renewed confrontation is likely to keep Uhuru’s political legacy and influence at the centre of the national debate, even though he is constitutionally barred from seeking another presidential term after serving two terms.
