KISUMU, Kenya — President William Ruto has defended his recent controversial remarks targeting opposition leaders, insisting they were not inappropriate and vowing to continue confronting his critics.
Speaking on Friday, March 20 during an Eid-ul-Fitr luncheon at Kisumu State Lodge, the President dismissed accusations of misconduct, saying his comments had been misinterpreted.
“There is nothing unpresidential about what I said. I only told them to watch their weight; I have not abused anyone. I emphasised that we should focus on policies, which they did not listen to, and I want to warn them, this is just the beginning,” Ruto said.
“Do not mind them; I will deal with them. I will deal with the tribalists and hate mongers. They have insulted and abused me for two years consecutively. So if I respond, they now spin narratives that I body-shamed them,” he added.
The President maintained that his engagement with the opposition would continue, stating that unresolved national issues, including past killings, bodies discovered in locations such as River Yala, and alleged injustices against vulnerable groups, must be addressed.
“I have not used any abusive language, and they are the ones who started this,” he said, reiterating his earlier position that he would dedicate a small portion of his time to responding to opposition criticism.
The remarks come amid heightened political tensions, with critics, including civil society groups and religious leaders, raising concerns over increasingly confrontational rhetoric in public discourse as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election.
Separately, the case of the late blogger Maureen Githaiga Kinyua has resurfaced, adding a new dimension to the political debate. On March 19, her family formally petitioned the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to reopen investigations into her 2019 death, which was officially recorded as a road accident.
In a letter submitted by their lawyers, the family outlined six grounds suggesting that the incident may have been a premeditated killing disguised as a boda boda accident. They allege that Kinyua was lured to Mataga by a female acquaintance believed to have links to a senior political figure, and that events leading up to her death indicate possible coordination.
According to the submission, the boda boda rider involved reportedly disappeared immediately after the incident and only resurfaced after being summoned by authorities.
Also Read: Ruto defends remarks against opposition, says he is ‘not apologetic’
The family also questioned the condition of the motorcycle, which allegedly showed no visible damage, and raised concerns over a penetration wound on Kinyua’s forehead that was not reflected in the autopsy report.
Further claims include the disappearance of her mobile phone and the presence of individuals linked to influential figures at the scene shortly after the incident, details the family argues point to a potential cover-up.
The case, which dates back nearly seven years, has renewed public scrutiny. Rigathi Gachagua has denied any involvement, maintaining that Kinyua’s death was the result of a road accident near Sagana Catholic Church in May 2019.
Analysts say the convergence of political tensions and unresolved high-profile cases could intensify public debate around accountability, governance, and the tone of leadership in Kenya.
