Ruto brands Uhuru a conman, warns opposition leaders against trusting him

Speaking on Monday during the start of his 10-day development tour of the North Rift region, Ruto accused Kenyatta of reneging on their political agreement and abandoning him during the 2022 presidential election.

The President, who addressed rallies in Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties, claimed that despite supporting Kenyatta's presidential ambitions in 2013 and 2017, the former President turned against him when it was his turn to seek the country's top seat.

"Mimi William Ruto nilikupigia kura mara nne. Mimi nilisimama na wewe katika safari yako ya kutafuta uongozi. Nikasimama na wewe 2013, 2017. Wewe ukanitapeli," Ruto said.

He accused Kenyatta of failing to honour their political understanding that he would serve for 10 years before backing Ruto for another decade.

"Ukasema miaka kumi ya Uhuru na ya Ruto kumi. Wakati yangu ilifika ukanitapeli, ukanikwepa, ukaambia Wakenya wasinipigie kura," he added.

Ruto also cautioned opposition leaders currently working with Kenyatta against placing their political trust in him, claiming they risked suffering a similar fate.

"Na wale majamaa wanahangaika na Uhuru Kenyatta waniulize mimi. Huyo jamaa ni mtapeli mkubwa sana. Kama alitapeli mimi nilimpigia kura na campaign, si atawamalizia asubuhi?" he posed.

The President further accused Kenyatta of betraying former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i.

"Ulimtapeli Raila Odinga, umemtapeli Kalonzo Musyoka, ukamtapeli Matiang'i. Ni wewe ulimtoa ng'ambo. Wewe my friend wachana na mimi," Ruto said.

He also accused his predecessor of attempting to undermine his administration after failing to prevent his victory in the 2022 presidential election.

Ruto dismissed Kenyatta's criticism of his administration, accusing the former President of leaving behind a struggling economy and challenges in the education sector.

"Ati anazunguka Kenya akiambia watu walifanya makosa. Watu walifanya makosa gani? Wewe uliacha masomo yetu kwa mtaro. Ukaacha uchumi kwa shimo. Please Mr. Kenyatta, give us a break," he said.

The latest confrontation comes ahead of Thursday's commemoration of the first anniversary of Raila Odinga's death in Bondo, Siaya County, where Ruto and Kenyatta are expected to share a platform.

The anticipated meeting comes amid heightened political tensions as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.

Meanwhile, Ruto used his tour of Tinderet, Aldai, Moiben and Soy constituencies to rally residents to register as voters, saying their participation would be critical to his bid for a second term.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also urged residents to acquire national identification cards, announcing plans to launch digital birth certificates during Mashujaa Day celebrations.

Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi, who accompanied the President, dismissed claims by political rivals about their voting strength, maintaining that Ruto's support base remained formidable.

During the tour, the President also launched several development projects, including roads, markets and electricity connections under the Last Mile Connectivity Programme.