Uhuru Kenyatta’s 2022 Warning to Mount Kenya Voters Revisited
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has recently revisited his 2022 warning to voters in the Mount Kenya region about electing his then-deputy William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration. He expressed disappointment that his cautionary message did not receive the attention it deserved during the last general election.
Speaking at a Jubilee Party delegates meeting held at Thika Greens in Murang’a county, Uhuru highlighted that the region ignored his warnings. “In 2022, I warned you about these people, but you didn’t listen to me. I hope now you are ready to support leaders who are genuinely committed to transforming this country,” he stated.
This comment reflects the long-standing tension between Uhuru and Ruto, which has significantly influenced Kenya’s political landscape. The rift between them can be traced back to the iconic March 9, 2018 handshake between Uhuru and the late opposition leader Raila Odinga. This event revealed the deepening divide between Uhuru and Ruto, which had previously been the subject of speculation.
By early 2022, the once-united UhuRuto front was visibly fractured. Uhuru formally supported Raila under the Azimio coalition, publicly stating: “We have chosen Raila Odinga, without any opposition, to be the fifth president of Kenya.” This declaration marked a dramatic shift from the traditional presidential-deputy relationship.
The public hostility escalated during campaign speeches. In August 2022, while addressing an audience in Kiambu county, Uhuru warned Mount Kenya residents that they risked regret by voting for Ruto. “You people from Mt Kenya region, if you elect Ruto, you will cry one day,” he said.
However, on election day, the Mount Kenya region overwhelmingly voted for Ruto, who eventually won the election with 7.1 million votes (50.49 per cent) against Raila’s 6.9 million (48.85 per cent).
Uhuru reminded the delegates in Murang’a that the region must now rally behind visionary leadership and development-centric politics. He called on leaders to create opportunities for the youth and urged young people to take an active role in shaping the country’s leadership. “Young people should vote wisely in 2027 and support leaders who are ready to work with them,” he said, emphasizing the importance of youth participation in the leadership selection process.
The former President noted that when he took over office in 2013, he first ensured the completion of projects initiated by his predecessor, the late Mwai Kibaki, as they were funded by taxpayers. “For almost two years of my leadership, I completed Kibaki’s projects before starting my own. I thought this would be the same with the current administration,” he added.
The repercussions of the Uhuru–Ruto split extended beyond campaign rhetoric and have persisted to date. Jubilee’s alignment with Azimio shifted voter dynamics, resulting in sharply contested election results with legal challenges and a broader debate about leadership realignment in Kenyan politics.
As Kenya approaches the 2027 election cycle, Uhuru’s reminder carries weight in a region long seen as a political stronghold. This area is being eyed by many presidential hopefuls, including Ruto’s former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, a key figure in ongoing political realignments.
Whether Mount Kenya voters heed Uhuru’s call this time remains a central storyline in the evolving interplay between national ambition and local influence.