Uhuru Blasts Ruto Administration Over Surging Cost of Living and Tribal Rhetoric

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has sharply criticized President William Ruto’s administration, demanding an immediate end to political blame games and divisive ethnic politics amid a surging fuel crisis and economic pressure. Speaking at a Jubilee Party Delegates Meeting in Kiambu County on Monday, May 25, 2026, the retired head of state warned that public anger is reaching a breaking point due to the skyrocketing cost of living. 

Kenyatta’s rare, public dressing-down comes in the wake of recent nationwide demonstrations protesting unprecedented fuel price hikes. The former president urged the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) government to stop deflecting attention toward historical issues or shifting focus to partisan political sideshows. He asserted that citizens are facing deep financial constraints that require immediate, practical economic relief rather than empty rhetoric or legislative justifications. 

In a firm rebuttal to top government administrators accused of inciting ethnic divisions, Kenyatta drew parallels with the 2007 post-election violence, warning that reckless tribal incitement risks plunging Kenya into chaos. He specifically called on national security organs and political leaders to silence toxic tribal rhetoric that has surfaced ahead of the 2027 general election cycle. Instead of exploiting ethnic fault lines, Kenyatta challenged the government to reach out to veteran leaders to collaboratively solve the economic crisis. 

“Kenyans are angry because of the high cost of living and soaring fuel prices,” Uhuru Kenyatta declared. “Listen to Kenyans instead of shifting blame. Arguments and hatred will not help us. Kenyans will not eat words or education and will not build roads with just talking. If you need help to solve this problem, reach out to us, and we will sit together to find solutions.” 

The harsh economic climate is being further compounded by private sector warnings. On the same day, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) formally cautioned Parliament that aggressive tax measures within the proposed Finance Bill 2026 threaten to choke formal businesses, kill jobs, and permanently weaken national competitiveness. 

Kenyatta’s intervention signals a significant escalation in active political engagement by the opposition’s top hierarchy. As the Jubilee Party advances its grassroots mobilization for 2027, the retired president’s critique sets a high-stakes tone for upcoming policy debates regarding domestic revenue mobilization versus consumer protection.