National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged Kenyans to pray for President William Ruto, arguing that the head of state is being judged too harshly amid growing public discontent.
Speaking during a fundraiser in Samburu West Constituency on Sunday, June 29, 2025, Wetang’ula condemned what he described as rising hostility in the country’s political and public discourse, noting that Ruto deserves respect regardless of differing opinions.
“There’s too much noise everywhere. People are judging our president very harshly…I ask you to pray for our president and our country,” Wetang’ula stated.
Caution to critics
He cautioned against leaders who stoke public anger and insult others, saying such conduct breeds division and undermines national progress.
“Some leaders are too angry and this anger is being taken out on the citizens. When you’re entrusted with leadership, you must lead with grace and respect — not with fights and insults,” he said.
“When we use foul language, we are teaching our children the wrong things,” he added.
Wetang’ula emphasised the importance of peace and security, warning that without them, Kenya cannot realise development.
“Without peace, children can’t go to school, mothers won’t be able to do their work at home. Fathers won’t be able to do their jobs. It is even deeply shameful to hear a church chairman say that people are still living in collective villages or camps — in our own country — 60 years after independence,” he remarked.
Addressing protests
Addressing recent demonstrations, Wetang’ula acknowledged Kenyans’ constitutional right to protest and petition the government but condemned the destruction of property and violence witnessed in recent weeks.
“We mourn the Kenyans who have died during the demonstrations. Protests are allowed, but our laws don’t allow the destruction of property, the defiling of women, the looting of businesses, or the killing of police officers,” he said.
He recalled a recent case where a female police officer was brutally attacked during protests, calling it a tragic and unacceptable act of violence.
“You saw on television a woman police officer being beaten by demonstrators until she collapsed, and then someone stomped on her head. That police officer is also someone’s child. She could be a mother, a sister — she’s someone’s daughter, just like your own, just like mine,” Wetang’ula stated.
“We condemn both those who called for the protests and those who engaged in violence. They must all be held accountable under the law,” he added.
The Speaker further assured Samburu constituents that Parliament would address security challenges by increasing funding for security personnel if necessary.
“If the problem is insufficient funds, we will allocate more. If there are too few police officers, we will send more so that they can assist your neighbours and restore peace — and you can live in peace here as well,” he stated.
