Journalist Kwamchetsi Makokha has argued that former President Uhuru Kenyatta should support Kenya’s opposition as part of what he describes as an opportunity to correct his past political decisions that helped propel President William Ruto to power.
Makokha made the remarks while weighing in on accusations that Uhuru is financially supporting opposition activities ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He argued that Uhuru’s political history with Ruto gives him a unique responsibility in determining Kenya’s political direction, noting that the two leaders worked closely for a decade before their relationship deteriorated.
“Uhuru owes us. He brought Ruto upon this country. And he even promised him 10 years at the top,” Makokha said.
Uhuru and Ruto served as President and Deputy President respectively between 2013 and 2022 after successfully running together under the Jubilee Party in the 2013 and 2017 elections.
Makokha said Uhuru was therefore not merely a spectator in Ruto’s political rise, arguing that the former president played a central role in building the political machinery and networks that eventually enabled his deputy to become president.
According to Makokha, Uhuru’s position changed during his second term after he became increasingly opposed to Ruto succeeding him.
The former president subsequently backed opposition leader Raila Odinga in the 2022 presidential election, with Martha Karua selected as Odinga’s running mate.
Makokha described the decision as an attempt to reverse the political succession plan Uhuru had previously endorsed, but said the strategy failed to prevent Ruto from winning the presidency.
“Uhuru had spent years building the political vehicle that carried Ruto to the presidency. When he finally tried to stop it, he did not manage the alternative particularly well,” he said.
The journalist maintained that Uhuru’s experience within Jubilee and his knowledge of Ruto’s political network place him in a strong position to influence the opposition ahead of the 2027 election.
He argued that if Uhuru believes the current administration is taking Kenya in the wrong direction, the former president should use his political experience and networks to help develop a credible alternative.
“Politics sometimes gives people a second chance. Uhuru has one,” Makokha said.
His remarks come amid growing political debate over allegations that Uhuru is financing opposition mobilisation, claims that have been rejected by opposition figures.
Makokha, however, framed the issue differently, arguing that Uhuru’s possible involvement should not necessarily be viewed negatively.
He said the former president cannot reverse his earlier decision to back Ruto or redo the 2022 election, but could still play a role in shaping Kenya’s next political contest.
“He cannot undo the past. He cannot take back the ‘your turn’ promise. He cannot rerun 2022,” Makokha said.
“But he can help ensure that Kenya does not spend another five years paying for his political miscalculation.”