NAIROBI, Kenya — Siaya Governor James Orengo has called for the impeachment of William Ruto following a series of controversial public remarks directed at opposition leaders, intensifying an already charged political climate.
Speaking during the Linda Mwananchi press briefing held on Wednesday, March 18 in Starehe Constituency, Orengo criticised the president’s recent statements, describing them as inappropriate and constitutionally questionable.
“The president must be called to order. The grounds of impeachment normally include gross violation of the law and the constitution. The constitution on leadership and integrity requires that state officers, which include the President, must conduct themselves in a manner that brings honour to the nation and dignity to the office that they occupy.
In articles that relate to the freedom of expression, our constitution frowns on acts of hate speech, incitement, and vilification of others. A lot of what the president talked about, the verbal diarrhea, which can be described as hate speech,” he said, while emphasising that the utterances constitute an abomination.
Orengo argued that the president’s remarks risk undermining constitutional standards on leadership and integrity, warning that such rhetoric could erode national unity at a time when political temperatures are rising ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He further maintained that the appropriate mechanisms to address such conduct include impeachment proceedings or formal sanctions through a resolution of the National Assembly.
“He cannot climb from the high office and come down to have violent verbal exchanges that do not bring honour to the Republic of Kenya. He is unfit to be in the office now not in 2027,” he stated, urging Kenyans to pursue accountability through lawful means.
The criticism was echoed by Godfrey Osotsi, the deputy leader of the Orange Democratic Movement, who said the president’s recent statements could amount to misconduct and a breach of his oath of office.
Also Read: Kenyan Catholic Bishops blast Ruto, opposition over ‘verbal indiscipline’
“I want to remind Ruto that he took the oath to uphold the Constitution of Kenya, and some of the utterances he has made during the past few days do not contribute to a leader who is supposed to be the president of Kenya. His utterances border on misconduct, which is a ground for impeachment of the president of Kenya. We want a president that unites the country and respects the constitution and alternative opinions for a strong country,” he stated.
In a further escalation, another political leader called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to consider legal action against the president over the remarks, underscoring growing unease within sections of the political class.
The controversy follows recent comments by President Ruto in which he accused some opposition figures of criminal behaviour and made personal attacks on their private lives—remarks that have drawn criticism from opposition leaders, civil society groups, and religious organisations.
Analysts note that the sharp exchange of rhetoric reflects deepening political divisions as early positioning for the 2027 elections intensifies. Concerns are mounting that increasingly hostile public discourse could inflame tensions and distract from governance priorities.
