The apparent cold war against former President Uhuru Kenyatta by the Kenya Kwanza regime appears to be gaining momentum with President William Ruto's allies now calling on him to strip Uhuru of his diplomatic mandate.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei claims, without proof, that the former head of state is undermining Ruto's government vide his association with his critics in the Azimio camp.
"H.E. Ruto should ask Uhuru to step down from his role of Peace envoy to DRC for the continued undermining of our government. His role in Azimio-OKA activities of allegedly funding Maandamos/political rallies is proof enough," the senator said.
Ruto appointed Uhuru as the AU-Kenya Peace Envoy and Facilitator of the EAC-Led Nairobi Peace Process during his inauguration on September 13, 2022.
Cherargei's remarks came hot on the heels of Uhuru's brief but stern response to Ruto's apparent onslaught on the Kenyatta and Moi families over alleged tax evasion.
Ruto on Monday claimed individuals who were previously in power are sponsoring the Azimio rallies and protests in a bid to continue exempting themselves from paying taxes as was the case when they were in office.
Without mentioning Uhuru by name, Ruto said he will not relent on his quest to ensure all Kenyans regardless of their status pay taxes.
"This country is not the animal farm where some are more equal than others. We are going to have a society where every citizen carries a fair share of our burden to raise their taxes," Ruto said.
He spoke while addressing the National Assembly Post-Election Seminar in Mombasa county.
In his response on Tuesday, Uhuru downplayed the 'threats' as nothing more than "noise" and asked Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka who had raised concern over his apparent victimisation by Ruto, not to worry.
"Na wewe Steve usijali hii watu wanapiga mdomo, wacha wapige bwana. Unajua mtu ambaye hana kitu ingine ya kufanya lazima apige mdogo, wacha wapige bwana, hiyo ni ya dunia, sisi tunaendelea na yetu," Uhuru said.
(And you Steve, don't mind these people making noise, let them shout. You know someone who has nothing else to do must make noise, let them, that's life, as for us we will continue with our plans)
He spoke when he visited the family of former Education CS, the late George Magoha at his Lavington home, in Nairobi.
Kalonzo pointed out that it was imperative for the government of the day to emulate previous regimes and respect former leaders and stop the name-calling.
"I saw Mzee Moi take over from Mzee Kenyatta and eventually Mzee Kibaki took over from Mzee Moi, you know, seamless transition and no name-calling," Kalonzo said.
"So, what is this we are hearing around town? he posed.
Cherargei, a diehard defender of Ruto and bitter critique of Uhuru, echoed Ruto's sentiments saying everyone must pay taxes.
"Taxes must be paid regardless of who you are. Ushuru ulipwe!" he said in a brief via his Twitter handle.