The growing political tension between President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta was among the issues examined during a recent discussion on Political Ringside, with analyst Samuel Lunani questioning why the former president has increasingly become a target of criticism as the 2027 General Election approaches.
Lunani noted that Uhuru is not seeking another presidential term and therefore cannot be on the ballot in 2027.
Despite this, President Ruto and some of his allies have increasingly linked the former president to opposition activities and movements that have emerged in recent months.
The issue became more visible as groups such as Linda Mwananchi gained public attention.
Several leaders associated with the government, including Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, have at different times suggested that Uhuru could be connected to the activities of groups challenging the government.
Ruto also raised similar claims during his visit to Eldoret in Uasin Gishu County. The accusations have centred on allegations that the former president could be supporting or directing some of the emerging political movements.
However, opposition politician Edwin Sifuna has rejected the claims. When questioned about whether Uhuru was funding his political activities, Sifuna denied receiving financial support from the former president.
He maintained that not even a single cent had come from Uhuru.
According to Lunani, one reason Uhuru continues to attract attention is the strength of his political name and network. Although he cannot contest the presidency again, he served as president for two terms and remains an important figure in Kenyan politics.
His influence is particularly significant in the Mount Kenya region, where his family name continues to carry political weight.
Lunani argued that repeatedly connecting opposition groups to Uhuru could also affect how the public views them.
Instead of seeing movements such as Linda Mwananchi as independent groups raising concerns about the government, voters could begin to view them as political projects associated with the former president.
The analyst also linked the focus on Uhuru to the changing political situation in Mount Kenya. The region remains important ahead of the 2027 election, while Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua continues to have political influence in some areas. Lunani suggested that increased focus on personalities could create divisions within the region and affect how voters align themselves.
He further observed that attacking Uhuru may have a different political impact compared with focusing on active opposition figures such as Sifuna or Kalonzo Musyoka.
Uhuru’s history, regional connections and time in government give the debate a wider political dimension.
The discussion has also raised questions about why political attention is shifting towards alleged funding and personal rivalries instead of government performance and policy.
With the 2027 election still ahead, questions about development, the economy, jobs and the delivery of government promises are likely to remain important to voters.
The continued references to Uhuru show that his political influence remains part of Kenya’s wider political conversation despite his absence from the ballot.
It will become clearer whether the focus on him will help the government consolidate support or contribute to deeper political divisions. The analysis on Political Ringside therefore points to the lasting role of political history, regional influence and former alliances in shaping the country’s 2027 political debate.
