Mbadi Accuses Uhuru of Betrayal After State House Reunion with Ruto

President William Ruto hosted former President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House on Friday, igniting intense speculation about the evolving political landscape in Kenya, particularly with the 2027 elections on the horizon. 

The meeting, which coincided with a high-level summit between the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) focused on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marked a rare public reunion between the two leaders since their political paths diverged before the 2022 General Election. While the officially stated purpose of the meeting centred on regional peace initiatives, the encounter has sparked considerable commentary regarding its potential political implications. 

The optics of the meeting – including warm handshakes, shared laughter, and a guided tour of the newly renovated State House – suggest a possible thaw in relations between the former allies. In a social media post, President Ruto referred to Mr. Kenyatta as "my good friend," a gesture perceived by some as an attempt to project unity and statesmanship.

Uhuru's presence at the summit was in his capacity as one of five eminent facilitators appointed by the EAC-SADC joint panel to steer peace negotiations in eastern DRC. However, the timing and nature of his visit have fuelled questions about whether the former president is quietly seeking to reposition himself within Kenya’s political arena. The relationship between President Ruto and former President Kenyatta experienced a significant shift in the lead-up to the 2022 General Election. 

Once close allies, their political paths diverged when Uhuru endorsed Raila Odinga, the leader of the opposition, for the presidency, leaving Mr. Ruto to form his own coalition. Since assuming office, President Ruto has sought to consolidate his power base and implement his economic agenda. Political insiders suggest that Uhuru may be seeking to influence the 2027 succession, potentially by supporting a candidate to challenge President Ruto. 

Sources indicate that former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i is being considered as a potential contender, a move that could reshape alliances, particularly in the vote-rich Mt. Kenya region. This area remains a key battleground, with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua vying for dominance amidst shifting loyalties.

The State House tour, reportedly requested by Mr. Kenyatta, was interpreted by some as a symbolic gesture aimed at demonstrating goodwill. A senior State House official, speaking anonymously, noted that the visit was likely intended to reassure the international community of Mr. Kenyatta’s diplomatic credentials and his willingness to collaborate with his successor.

"We believe he was putting his best foot forward to show that he harbours no ill will and is therefore ripe for any regional security role," the official said.

Despite the cordial atmosphere, underlying tensions between the two camps persist. Jubilee Party National Chairman Torome Saitoti dismissed suggestions that the visit had political undertones, insisting that Uhuru was simply attending a scheduled diplomatic meeting. However, the absence of public statements from key Kenyatta allies such as David Murathe and Jeremiah Kioni has fuelled speculation about internal deliberations and strategic recalibrations. 

Reactions from political figures have been sharply divided. Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei hailed the meeting as a sign of national cohesion and a positive omen for President Ruto’s re-election prospects. 

"This confirms that ‘tutam’ (re-election) is crystal clear now for President Ruto’s administration," he declared, framing the encounter as a blow to divisive politics.

Conversely, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, a former ODM chairman, launched a scathing critique of Mr. Kenyatta’s renewed visibility. Speaking in Homa Bay, Mr. Mbadi accused the former president of betraying the opposition during the 2022 elections and questioned his credibility as a political actor. 

"He lied to us that he would give us the presidency when he had the instruments of power. Instead, he handed it to President Ruto right before our eyes," he said.

Mr. Mbadi’s remarks, repeated at a church gathering in Karachuonyo, reflect a broader unease within the opposition about Uhuru's intentions. He warned against trusting the former president, citing past promises that failed to materialise. 

"Ruto now has the key and he (Uhuru) is trying to tell us that he will snatch it from Ruto and give it to us. Is this an ally you can trust?" he asked pointedly.