Ruto Locks Horns With Uhuru for the First Time, Accuses Him of Using Billions to Split ODM
The claims were made on January 10 during a meeting between the President and Members of the Siaya County Assembly at the Eldoret State Lodge.
Ruto reportedly pointed to resistance against some national government programmes as evidence of this alleged interference.
He specifically mentioned Siaya Governor James Orengo, suggesting that some leaders who are critical of the government are being encouraged and financially supported by the former Head of State.
Alego Central MCA David Ragen, who was present at the meeting, said the President expressed disappointment that experienced leaders could be swayed by money and external political influence.
Alego Central MCA David Ragen, who was present at the meeting, said the President expressed disappointment that experienced leaders could be swayed by money and external political influence.
Ruto reportedly told the MCAs that Governor Orengo, being a seasoned politician, should not allow himself to be influenced by what he termed as politically motivated funding.
“The President said that if Governor Orengo has any grievances, he should come and raise them directly with him instead of being influenced by outside forces,” Ragen said.
The meeting was attended by 41 out of the 42 Siaya MCAs and was led by County Assembly Speaker George Okode.
“The President said that if Governor Orengo has any grievances, he should come and raise them directly with him instead of being influenced by outside forces,” Ragen said.
The meeting was attended by 41 out of the 42 Siaya MCAs and was led by County Assembly Speaker George Okode.
Notably absent were Governor Orengo, his deputy William Oduol, and area Members of Parliament. However, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo were present.
Although the official agenda of the meeting focused on development projects in Siaya County, political undertones dominated much of the discussion.
Although the official agenda of the meeting focused on development projects in Siaya County, political undertones dominated much of the discussion.
Relations between the national government and ODM leaders featured heavily, especially concerns over cooperation within the broad-based government arrangement.
Speaker Okode later dismissed claims that Governor Orengo had been deliberately sidelined, insisting that the meeting was strictly between the President and the County Assembly leadership. He said there was no political motive behind the absence of the governor and MPs.
During the meeting, President Ruto emphasized the need for unity under the broad-based government, saying that cooperation between national and county governments is essential for delivering development to the people.
Speaker Okode later dismissed claims that Governor Orengo had been deliberately sidelined, insisting that the meeting was strictly between the President and the County Assembly leadership. He said there was no political motive behind the absence of the governor and MPs.
During the meeting, President Ruto emphasized the need for unity under the broad-based government, saying that cooperation between national and county governments is essential for delivering development to the people.
He urged leaders to rise above political differences and support government programmes for the sake of citizens.
The accusations against Uhuru Kenyatta have added a new layer of tension to Kenya’s political landscape.
The accusations against Uhuru Kenyatta have added a new layer of tension to Kenya’s political landscape.
Analysts say the remarks signal a deepening rift as political camps begin to realign ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The public confrontation between Ruto and Kenyatta suggests that the quiet understanding that appeared to exist after the 2022 transition may now be breaking down, setting the stage for sharper political battles in the years ahead.
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