In 2019, Hon Oscar Sudi, a key ally of William Ruto, publicly warned President Uhuru Kenyatta that he must not seek to extend his tenure beyond 2022. Sudi emphasized that Ruto’s political movement would not tolerate Uhuru’s continued influence, stating that Mt Kenya bloc members who failed to support Ruto in 2022 would face consequences.
Sudi’s remarks, made during a period of heightened political tension, included direct warnings to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) against being used as instruments to suppress Ruto’s ambitions. He framed the issue as a matter of political accountability, asserting that Uhuru’s legacy would be challenged if he attempted to remain in power beyond his term.
The statements followed coordinated criticism of Uhuru by Ruto allies. Hon Kimani Ngunjiri accused the president of corruption and divisive tactics in March 2019, aligning with broader allegations against his administration. Meanwhile, Twitter debates highlighted conflicting narratives, with some MPs calling for the arrest of lawmakers accused of undermining justice, while others defended the need for evidence-based political discourse.
A March 3, 2019, tweet from MP Benjamin Washiali accused Sudi of issuing unspecified threats against Uhuru, while Hon Kipchumba responded that 'facts and threats are two different things.' The rhetoric underscored deepening divisions within Kenya’s political elite as the 2022 elections approached, with Ruto’s camp positioning the conflict as a struggle for democratic accountability.
