EMALI, Kenya — Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has launched a sharp critique against President William Ruto following a series of remarks targeting opposition leaders during his recent tour of the Ukambani region.
The Governor asserted that the verbal attacks directed at Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka amount to an insult against the entire Kamba community.
Speaking on Friday at the traditional wedding ceremony of Pastor Ezekiel Odero and Pastor Sarah in Kikumini, Emali, Governor Ndeti accused the President of showing open contempt for the region.
Disrespecting the kingpin
Wavinya Ndeti argued that as the perceived political kingpin of the Ukambani region, disrespecting Kalonzo Musyoka is tantamount to disrespecting the people he represents.
“Ruto ameonyesha Wakamba madharau sana. Anakuja hapa Ukambani kututukana sisi; ukitusi Kalonzo ni sisi umetusi. Ukiambia mtoto baba yako hana akili, inamaanisha wewe kama mtoto, mama yako na kila mtu katika ile familia hana akili,” she said.
The Governor, who was accompanied by Kalonzo Musyoka, Deputy Majority Leader Owen Baya, and Bishop Muiru, among other leaders, vowed that the community would not tolerate continued verbal attacks on their political representative.
“Arrogance is a terrible thing. I know Kalonzo cannot go to Sugoi to insult Ruto because he is a man of honour and fears God. But Ruto comes here to belittle him,” she added.
Defending the boycott
Governor Ndeti also defended her decision to skip one of the President’s public events in Machakos on Friday, where he was holding a rally.
“I did not attend; when someone comes to insult our father, why would I go and sit with him, do what together? They think Kalonzo is quiet, that he is a diplomat, so they just take him for granted. I just want to tell you that the one you are disrespecting is the same one who will come and finish this matter,” she said.
She delivered a final warning that any spite shown against Musyoka would be viewed as an attack on the entire community:
“If you disrespect my community, I am a daughter of this community and if you insult us, I am sorry but I have no business with you even if you are the president; respect my people and I will respect you,” she stated.
President’s escalating rhetoric
Governor Ndeti’s remarks come amidst growing backlash over President Ruto’s language during his four-day tour of Ukambani, where he repeatedly used derogatory terms to describe his opponents, despite his own public calls for an end to the politics of insults.
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During one of his stops, the President questioned the competency of his critics: “Mtu ambaye mpango hana. Sera hana ajenda hana. Akili hana. Huyo ni mtu wa kuchagua?”
He further escalated the rhetoric in Kitui, stating: “Mpango hawana. Sera hawana. Hata akili… alaa kwani mnawajua? Salaale.”
The President’s use of terms like “wapumbavu” (fools) and “wajinga” (stupid) to dismiss critics of his shareholding and governance policies continues a pattern of aggressive public language that he had previously urged the nation to reject.
