The political temperature in Kenya continues to rise as the United Opposition launches a fierce counter-offensive against President William Ruto. The move follows a series of public attacks by the head of state, who has repeatedly dismissed his rivals as having “no tangible achievements” to show the Kenyan electorate.
Opposition leaders have now turned the spotlight back on the president, arguing that his own administration deserves the most intense scrutiny. They accuse the current government of presiding over a decline in state parastatals and, more gravely, overseeing extra-judicial killings during recent protests.
“That Is Your Record”: Gachagua Leads the Charge
Leading the rebuttal, Rigathi Gachagua, party leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), directly challenged the president’s legacy. Gachagua accused the administration of using excessive force against its own citizens and mismanaging national wealth.
“You are the only president since independence who has given orders for young people to be shot in the leg. That is your record. Selling public assets, that is your record,” Gachagua stated.
The opposition’s criticism comes at a time when the president has intensified his rhetoric, dismissing any attempts to remove him from office. Ruto maintains that the opposition lacks both a credible development track record and the political muscle to mount a serious electoral threat.
Rejection of “Reckless” Privatization
A major flashpoint in this political tug-of-war is the government’s plan to sell stakes in key Kenyan companies. The United Opposition has vowed to block what they describe as a “reckless” privatization agenda that threatens national sovereignty.
Kalonzo Musyoka voiced strong opposition to the involvement of global entities in these deals, specifically mentioning international brands.
“We cannot accept Kenyan companies being sold carelessly. Even if it is Vodafone, a global brand, they must reconsider any relationship tied to President Ruto,” Musyoka warned.
Tension in the Gusii Region
The war of words coincided with the conclusion of the opposition’s three-day tour of the Gusii region. The tour focused heavily on consolidating support for former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i on his home turf.
During the rallies, leaders took aim at Kisii Governor Simba Arati, accusing him of disrupting their gatherings. Eugene Wamalwa and Kalonzo Musyoka both urged the governor to reconsider his political alignment.
“Na sasa sisi Arati tunamwambia arudi asalimu amri kwa Matiang’i wafanye kazi pamoja,” Wamalwa said, calling for unity between the governor and Matiang’i.
Matiang’i himself steered the conversation toward service delivery, stating, “Tufikirie mambo ya kuleta manufaa kwa watu wetu.”
Regional Development Grievances
Rigathi Gachagua also extended his criticism to leaders within the Kipsigis community. He accused them of failing to hold President Ruto accountable for what he perceives as a lack of development in the Rift Valley.
“Hawa watu wa Kasongo, viongozi wa Kipsigis, wanalia kama panya imeshikwa na mtego, na mimi nimekuwa tu hapo dakika kumi pekee yake. Mimi nawaambia nyinyi, viongozi wa Kipsigis, mmeumiza hao sana; hawana maji, hawana barabara,” Gachagua claimed.
