2022 will forever be etched in the minds of Kenyans following the tightly contested elections in the country.
The biggest showdown was not the race between the two front runners but the heated public exchange between then Deputy President, William Ruto, pushing to succeed his boss, Uhuru Kenyatta.
Ruto, now President, was kicked out of government with former President Uhuru Kenyatta settling on the opposition leader, Raila Odinga, as his successor.
Kenyans.co.ke compiled some of the heated exchanges between Uhuru and Ruto before the two reached a gentleman's agreement after the elections. Ruto, appointed Uhuru as Kenya's special envoy, to signal a change in heart.
Race vs Marathon
Uhuru lashed out at his estranged deputy over his decision to launch early campaigns for his 2022 presidential bid.
The former President, in February 2022, likened the succession bid to a race, which he predicted Ruto would lose.
"Leadership is not a sprint, it's a marathon. You will start running and will quickly run out of breath before you get far, but the old man who is going steady will come and overtake you," he remarked.
In a clap back, Ruto accused his then-boss of condemning youthful leadership and reserving the positions for a select few.
Work is done in offices
In February 2022, the former President was fed up with his Deputy complaining about the government he was part of. He asked him to return to the office and work.
"Let us remain focused. If there are things, tell us how we can fix them instead of blubbering out there in campaigns, yet you are doing nothing.
“Work is not done from the sunroof of your vehicles. It is done in the office and hospital,” Uhuru posed.
On his part, Ruto accused Kenya's fourth President of attempting to sideline him from the government's achievements.
He added that lack of interaction with the public made the then-head of state oblivious to the sufferings of many Kenyans.
"When it was time to build roads, improve power connectivity and education, I sat down with you. I made my equal contribution to the success.
"In any case, I have been in politics long enough to know that you plan theory in offices but execute practically in the field, sometimes, atop of cars," Ruto responded.
Do Not Kill My Children
On July 29, Ruto accused the government of going after and threatening not only him but also his children. He sounded a warning to the government to leave his children alone.
"Now you have started threatening me. Do whatever you so please but do not touch my children, let us respect one another," Ruto stated.
The ex-President clapped back at Ruto, rubbishing his claims and assuring him of his safety.
"You have insulted me for nearly three years. Has anyone touched you? I was in office for those three years, and did I not have the capability?
"Now that I want to hand over the government and have limited powers, do you think I have time to look for you? There is no reason for insults," Uhuru replied.
Don't talk about me - Ruto on Uhuru Endorsing Raila
Notably, Ruto, the current head of state, was not pleased with his boss endorsing rival Raila Odinga. He was irked when Uhuru accused him of lying to Kenyans during his campaigns.
"Do not talk about me and focus on your candidate! I supported you when you needed someone to. If you do not want to return the favor, leave me alone," Ruto lamented.
While launching a new unit at Mama Ngina Hospital, Uhuru accused Ruto of doublespeak on the issue of moving the Mombasa Port and lying to residents of the city and Naivasha too.
In a separate meeting with the leadership of the Mount Kenya region, the Jubilee party boss stated that Ruto was not yet ripe to lead the nation.
"Even those other ones are owners but it is clear that they need more time so that they can stop it with their insults," Uhuru advised.
