'Stop your toxic obsession with President Ruto!' UDA blasts Uhuru over criticism of Gov't

The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has launched a scathing attack on former President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of harboring a “toxic obsession” with President William Ruto and attempting to undermine the Kenya Kwanza administration.

In an open letter released on Tuesday, UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire and Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan claimed Uhuru had failed to come to terms with Ruto's victory in the 2022 General Election and was actively working against the current administration.

"We have heard you loud and clear. First, temper your intense bitterness, fierce jealousy, endless envy, and toxic obsession with William Ruto," the letter read in part.

The party further accused Uhuru of handing over a struggling economy burdened by debt, high inflation and weakened institutions, while crediting the Ruto administration with stabilising the economy and averting a potential default.

According to UDA, the current government has made progress in agriculture through subsidised fertiliser programmes, improved coffee prices and the revival of sugar factories, while also expanding healthcare coverage through the Social Health Authority (SHA).

The party also highlighted what it described as achievements in education, affordable housing and infrastructure development, including the recruitment of teachers, construction of housing units and the revival of stalled road projects.

On fuel prices, UDA defended the government against criticism over recent increases, arguing that the administration was implementing long-term energy security measures rather than relying on subsidies.

The letter accused the former president of failing to implement sustainable solutions to shield Kenya from global fuel shocks during his tenure and claimed the current administration was pursuing investments in local oil production, renewable energy and electric mobility.

UDA also accused the Jubilee party leader of exploiting public frustrations, particularly among young people, against the government. 

"Since leaving office, you have dedicated yourself to undermining the very government you handed over. You operate from behind the scenes, mobilising political hostility, fueling public anger, and quietly hoping the country fails."

The statement comes after Uhuru renewed his criticism of the government over the rising cost of living and fuel prices that have burdened Kenyans.

During the Jubilee party delegates forum at the Kiambu Golf Club on Monday, Uhuru cautioned national leaders not to allow divisive politics to continue, arguing that Kenyans are not angry because of politics, but because of economic pressure.

He gave an example of what he said many households face: low wages while fuel and taxes take up much of their income.

“Issue ni simple… watu wanapiga kelele kwa sababu mimi ni mtu mshahara wangu ni Ksh.20,000, Ksh.800 inaenda kwa mafuta, Ksh.12,000 inaenda kwa kodi. Hiyo ndiyo shida, ongelesha shida,” he stated. 

“Wakenya hawatakula maneno akiwa na njaa. Barabara hazijengwi na maneno."