The sudden change of tune by President Uhuru Kenyatta over his successor could yet again escalate already deteriorating relationship within Jubilee party.
Uhuru's Thursday remarks at Ruiru hinted that the President is no longer interested in his deputy William Ruto, who he had pledged to endorse for two terms in future.
“I have said, and I will not tire in reminding politicians, that it is not time for politics. It is time for fulfilling our pledges to the people. Elections will come and go, but the country will be there forever. Leadership comes from God," said Uhuru.
Coincidentally, Uhuru's claims that he doesn't care who takes over the country's leadership after him, were made in presence of Dr Ruto and opposition chief Raila Odinga, who is accused of inciting the president against the former.
In 2013, Uhuru openly promised to support Dr Ruto after 2022, arguing that Jubilee party would lead the country for two decades; where he said Ruto would serve for two terms as well.
“The electioneering period is over, and those who are eyeing the leadership of this country should wait for five years before the next General Election. But one thing is certain is that Jubilee will lead for the next 20 years,” said President Kenyatta.
While Dr Ruto is yet to publicly concede that the relationship is over, a number of his allies led by Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi have gone to public and claimed so.
“It is obvious that there is no bromance still existing in the presidency as it was before. All this has been fueled by succession politics and the fight pitting dynasties and hustlers. President Kenyatta should hand over power to someone else… the centre cannot hold anymore,” claimed the straight-shooting MP.
President Uhuru has been categorical that he's focused to leave behind a good legacy, a statement that has been often backed by Raila.
And as such, he has often cautioned his troops against early campaigns, something his deputy William Ruto is not ready to abandon, this the reason for the president's fury.
"With the 2022 elections, we know the date, month and the year the polls will be held." In light of this, Ruto said he would not heed the call of those asking him to stop early Uhuru succession campaign.
"I will continue to prepare myself because I have a right to do so," he said recently at a rally in Baringo.