Tensions Escalate as Farouk Kibet Warns Uhuru Over Alleged Opposition Funding
Politics Updated: 18 February 2026 20:08 EAT
Political tensions have intensified in Kenya after Farouk Kibet, a close aide to President William Ruto, issued a sharp warning directed at retired President Uhuru Kenyatta for allegedly financing opposition activities, especially those linked to Edwin Sifuna and his supporters. The strong remarks came during a political rally in Kabaras, Kakamega County, where Kibet accused the former head of state of secretly funding political caravans and events aimed at undermining the current government and dividing Kenyans.
Kibet claimed that Uhuru was using funds purportedly taken from the state to bankroll rallies, including Linda Mwananchi events associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and a faction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He warned that the government might take action to freeze or lock the former president’s financial accounts if the alleged support continued, saying divisive politics would not be tolerated.
The aide’s comments come amid broader political friction between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and opposition figures as Kenya heads towards the 2027 general election. Kibet portrayed the alleged funding as part of an effort to sabotage President Ruto’s development agenda.
Uhuru Kenyatta, though retired, has been active in political discussions and is reportedly working to revive the Jubilee Party, with intentions to support former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i for the presidency in 2027. This has heightened speculation about his role in shaping opposition alliances.
Within ODM, internal divisions have been widening. Senator Sifuna, once a central figure in the party as Secretary General, has faced challenges to his leadership position from other party leaders, reflecting broader splits over whether to cooperate with the current government or remain firmly in opposition.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed and other ODM figures have publicly accused Uhuru of influencing internal party rifts, with claims that he seeks to steer the party away from unity and toward broader opposition alignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
Opposition leaders aligned with Sifuna have also suggested that President Ruto and his allies have interfered in party affairs, although Ruto’s camp strongly denies these accusations, framing the debates as internal organisational matters.
Political analysts say the latest outburst by Kibet reflects growing mistrust between the ruling coalition and retired leaders perceived to be shaping the opposition’s strategy. This dynamic adds to an already tense political environment as parties jockey for position ahead of the next elections.
The unfolding situation has drawn attention from political stakeholders and the public alike, with debates centring on the legitimacy of financing in political campaigns, the role of retired statesmen, and the integrity of party structures in Kenya’s multiparty system.
Observers note that if the tensions are not defused, they could deepen factionalism across political divides, influencing alliances and strategies in the run‑up to 2027.
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FELIX MAKONA
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