President William Ruto has defended his recent remarks directed at political opponents, dismissing accusations of body shaming and insisting that his comments were taken out of context.
Speaking at State Lodge Kisumu during an Eid-ul-Fitr luncheon with leaders, the Head of State said he had exercised restraint despite what he described as sustained personal attacks over the past two years.
“I will deal with them. They have insulted me continuously for two years. The other day I responded for just one day, and it wasn’t even really a response,” Ruto said.
“I simply told them their behaviour is not good.”
The President maintained that his comments were not abusive, arguing that he had only advised his critics to exercise discipline.
“I told them to be disciplined, to reduce their food intake and not eat too much. Where exactly is the problem in what I said?” he posed.
Ruto further questioned the backlash that followed his remarks, particularly claims that they amounted to body shaming.
“Is telling someone to go to the gym and reduce their food intake really body shaming? How is that unpresidential?” he asked.
His remarks come amid growing political exchanges between the government and sections of the opposition, with critics accusing leaders of straying from issue-based discourse.
However, the President shifted blame to his opponents, accusing them of lacking a substantive agenda.
“I tried to tell them, let’s compete on policies, let’s compete on ideas… but they said they have no agenda, no vision, no plan. That their entire plan is William Ruto,” he said.
According to the President, his response was measured and limited, but it triggered what he termed as disproportionate reactions.
“I just responded a little, and they started making noise,” he added.
The comments were made during a luncheon hosted for Muslim leaders and faithful in Kisumu as part of Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
The event brought together political, religious, and community leaders in a setting meant to promote unity and reflection.
While the occasion focused on the significance of Eid, the President’s remarks highlighted the ongoing political tensions in the country, particularly around the tone and substance of public discourse.
Ruto, however, reiterated his position that political competition should be grounded in ideas and policy alternatives rather than personal attacks.
“Let’s compete on policies, let’s compete on ideas,” he said, calling for a shift in the tone of political engagement.
