“You Betrayed Me”: President Ruto Escalates Attack on Uhuru Kenyatta During North Rift Tour

President William Ruto has launched a direct attack against his predecessor, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of political betrayal and issuing a warning to opposition figures currently partnering with the former Head of State ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking on Monday, October 12, during political engagements in Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties—part of his 10-day development tour of the North Rift—President Ruto detailed his historical political alignment with Kenyatta, contrasting his past loyalty with their eventual fallout ahead of the 2022 polls.

The President recounted supporting Kenyatta’s presidential campaigns in 2013 and 2017, stating that an informal succession understanding for a reciprocal 10-year term was subsequently discarded.

“Mimi William Ruto nilikupigia kura mara nne. Mimi nilisimama na wewe katika safari yako ya kutafuta uongozi. Nikasimama na wewe 2013, 2017. Wewe ukanitapeli,” President Ruto told supporters. “Ukasema miaka kumi ya Uhuru na ya Ruto kumi. Wakati yangu ilifika ukanitapeli, ukanikwepa, ukaambia Wakenya wasinipigie kura.”

Addressing opposition leaders currently collaborating with Kenyatta, President Ruto cautioned them to re-evaluate their political alliances, claiming his personal experience served as a lesson regarding the former president’s political record.