The diplomatic velvet gloves came off in Addis Ababa this week as a toxic feud between President William Ruto and his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta threatened to derail regional peace efforts. In a dramatic intervention, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was forced to play referee in a "heated" private meeting aimed at reconciling the two Kenyan titans, whose personal animosity is now spilling over borders.

The confrontation, which erupted on the sidelines of the African Union summit, has exposed the deep fractures that still run through Kenya’s political landscape. What was meant to be a unified front to address the burning crisis in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) devolved into a bitter exchange of accusations. Sources indicate that the hostility between Ruto and Kenyatta has become a major stumbling block, paralyzing the peace process and tarnishing Kenya’s image as the region’s diplomatic anchor.

The Blame Game

Inside the closed-door meeting, the niceties of protocol were reportedly abandoned. The core of the conflict is a clash of legitimacy and respect:

• Ruto’s Charge: The President accused Kenyatta of actively undermining the government and funding destabilization efforts, refusing to retire quietly into the sunset.
• Uhuru’s Defense: The retired President countered that he is being systematically disrespected and harassed by the state, despite his status as a statesman and peace envoy.
• The DRC Casualty: With Kenyatta sitting on the AU panel and Ruto deploying military troops, their lack of coordination is fatal. The confused signaling is allowing armed groups in the DRC to exploit the vacuum.

Abiy’s Impossible Task

The optics of the Ethiopian Prime Minister having to mediate between two Kenyan leaders are damaging. A viral photo of Abiy standing between the two men was shared by Kenyatta’s camp but pointedly ignored by Ruto’s team—a petty digital skirmish that highlights the depth of the pettiness. Abiy’s message was clear: your domestic squabbles are endangering the stability of East Africa.

The "truce" remains fragile at best. While they agreed to respect state sovereignty in public communiqués, the private reality is a cold war. Kenyatta’s refusal to quit active politics and his alleged support for opposition figures keeps Ruto on edge, looking over his shoulder as he eyes 2027.

A House Divided

For Kenya, this is a moment of profound embarrassment. The nation that prides itself on exporting peace is now exporting its own political dysfunction. If Ruto and Kenyatta cannot find a working relationship, their feud will continue to be a wrecking ball—not just for their own legacies, but for the millions of civilians in the DRC waiting for a peace that a divided Kenya cannot deliver.