The renewed political friction became more visible after Uhuru launched a sharp attack on the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of promoting divisive politics instead of addressing the economic challenges facing ordinary Kenyans.
Speaking during a recent public event, the former president urged Kenyans to reject tribal politics and focus on leaders capable of uniting the country.
“When you begin blaming people and dividing them, how does that help this country move forward? The issues affecting Kenyans have no tribe, race, or religion,” Uhuru stated.
The former head of state also warned against the rise of ethnic political rhetoric, saying such politics could push the country toward instability similar to the violence witnessed after the disputed 2007 elections.
“We are now seeing some people spreading divisive tribal politics openly and without shame. They make such remarks in front of national leaders and nobody stops them,” he added.
Political analysts now argue that the renewed rivalry between Uhuru and Ruto is largely tied to the battle for control of the politically influential Mt Kenya region ahead of the next election.
President Ruto managed to dominate the region during the 2022 elections after successfully breaking Uhuru’s traditional political influence through the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Despite backing Raila Odinga under the Azimio coalition in 2022, Uhuru failed to stop Ruto’s rise to power, with UDA securing overwhelming support across Mt Kenya.
However, observers say the former president now appears determined to reassert his influence in the region as succession politics intensify ahead of 2027.
Uhuru has remained active in Jubilee Party affairs even after leaving office and has already hinted at supporting former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i for the presidency.
Sources within opposition circles indicate that efforts are quietly underway to reorganize political forces around a possible anti-Ruto coalition, with Mt Kenya expected to play a critical role once again.
Analysts further believe Uhuru’s continued political involvement may also be linked to protecting both his legacy and the extensive business interests associated with the Kenyatta family.
Meanwhile, allies of President Ruto have dismissed criticism from the former president, arguing that the Kenya Kwanza administration inherited major economic challenges from the previous regime.
The growing political confrontation is now expected to reshape alliances across both government and opposition camps as leaders begin positioning themselves for the high-stakes 2027 race.
With political temperatures already rising, many observers believe the rivalry between Ruto and Uhuru could once again dominate national politics and heavily influence voting patterns in the Mt Kenya region.
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