President William Ruto has been challenged to stop blaming retired President Uhuru Kenyatta for the opposition’s political activities, with Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i saying Kenyans themselves are demanding a change of government.
Matiang’i dismissed claims that the opposition is being funded or directed by Uhuru, arguing that the call for a new political direction is coming from voters who want the government to change.
Speaking in Borabu Constituency, Nyamira County, Matiang’i said Ruto should spend more time addressing the concerns of Kenyans and delivering on his promises instead of attacking his political opponents.
“The President goes around every day, and whenever he opens his mouth, he insults the opposition and says we have no agenda. Ati we have a sponsor. Our sponsor is you. You are the ones who told us to seek power, and you are the ones demanding change. Our sponsors are the people of Kenya. You are the ones who want us to change this government,” Matiang’i stated.
Matiang’i spoke in the company of several opposition leaders from the Gusii region, using the meeting to hit out at Ruto’s political activities in the Rift Valley.
He said the President should give priority to his duties as Head of State, including following the Constitution, implementing government programmes and responding to issues affecting citizens.
According to Matiang’i, the government should also ensure that projects promised to Kenyans are completed rather than spending its time trading accusations with the opposition.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka also turned his criticism on the President, calling on Ruto to concentrate on the responsibilities of his office.
Onyonka said the government should protect Kenyans, deal with the theft of public money and ensure that development resources are distributed fairly across the country.
“Just do your thing as a Head of State. Make sure nobody is abducted, make sure Kenyans in office are not stealing our money, and make sure there is fairness and equity in development expenditure for everybody in Kenya. Make sure the projects you have promised are all going to be implemented,” Onyonka stated.
Matiang’i further expressed confidence that the opposition would be able to win the 2027 General Election and form the next government.
He said an opposition administration would focus on working for Kenyans once it takes power.
“If we are declared winner, brother, we will assume power and work,” Matiang’i stated.
The remarks came as Jubilee Party faced another political challenge after the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal cancelled the appointment of Moitalel Ole Kenta as the party’s Secretary-General.
The tribunal determined that Ole Kenta did not satisfy the requirements for the position at the time he was appointed.
The opposition’s efforts to build a united front ahead of the 2027 election also featured in a separate political meeting in Ganze, Kilifi County.
People’s Renaissance Movement Party leader Caleb Amisi called on opposition parties to rally behind one presidential candidate to challenge Ruto in the 2027 contest.
Amisi also argued that younger politicians should be given room to lead the opposition’s campaign, saying they should take over from older leaders who have dominated political contests for years.
“Lakini mumesema hapo ni Sifuna, sindio? Tunataka vijana wote Kenya mzima, wakiongozwa na chama cha PM, wamesema nyinyi wazee mmekuwa sana, mmekuwa kwa uongozi sana. Si muachilie hawa vijana, wako na nguvu na akili, wapeperushe hii mpira, wachape Ruto chini mara moja,” Amisi stated.
The People’s Renaissance Movement Party is expected to continue its mobilisation tour of the Coast region on Saturday.