Ruto’s Harsh Rhetoric Exposes Stark Contrast in His Call for ‘Respectful Politics’
His criticism continued throughout the tour, shifting between policy talk and outright disdain for his rivals, whom he painted as unfit to lead and disconnected from national priorities
President William Ruto’s campaign tour of the Ukambani region has been marked by a series of sharp verbal attacks on his opponents, frequently dismissing them as “fools” and “brainless” remarks that stand in direct contrast to his own calls for an end to insult-driven politics
During multiple stops across Makueni and Kitui counties, the President accused the opposition of lacking ideas, plans and even intelligence, insisting that the region had “lagged behind” because of its political choices
“Mtu ambaye mpango hana. Sera hana, ajenda hana, akili hana… huyo ni mtu wa kuchagua?”
— President Ruto in Makueni
His criticism continued throughout the tour, shifting between policy talk and outright disdain for his rivals, whom he painted as unfit to lead and disconnected from national priorities
At one point, he warned residents against “wasting the country” with what he termed outdated opposition politics, insisting Ukambani must not remain in the opposition again
Despite the heated rhetoric, Makueni Woman Representative Suzanne Kiamba openly pushed back, urging the President to respect other leaders and reminding him that every human being has inherent value
“Hakuna mtu ameumbwa na sura ya Mungu atakuwa bure kabisa… Hii maneno ya kusema sisi watu wa opposition ni bure kabisa sipendi,”
— Suzanne Kiamba
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Still, her intervention did little to alter the President’s tone. Ruto doubled down in Kitui, again describing critics as unintelligent and dismissing concerns raised about governance, equity and national unity
This pattern is not new. In February, while advocating for the national livestock vaccination drive, President Ruto also labelled his critics “fools,” accusing them of sabotaging progress with ignorance
Yet, these remarks sharply contradict the President’s repeated public calls for respectful political engagement. Earlier this year, he urged Kenyans to “ignore the naysayers… those who have nothing to offer except insults”
As the 2027 political season intensifies, Ruto’s language continues to raise questions about whether his messaging aligns with his stated principles or whether doublespeak has become a defining feature of the campaign trail
