President William Ruto and his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, have renewed a bitter public war of words, drawing condemnation from clergy who warn that the inflammatory rhetoric threatens peace.
The rivalry has festered since Mr Gachagua's impeachment as Deputy President. He has vowed to make Mr Ruto a one-term president, while the President has described him as tribal, corrupt and unfit for public office.
The latest round began in Kiambu, where Mr Gachagua mocked the President's thin frame and promised him sleepless nights. Mr Ruto responded by accusing critics of tribalism and hatred, then escalated by accusing unnamed individuals of theft and murder, while also commenting on the physical appearance and lifestyles of some opponents.
Mr Gachagua fired back with allegations of historical violence and corruption, invoking the 2007 Kiambaa church tragedy and the recent Gen Z protests. None of these claims has been publicly substantiated.
The exchange has drawn widespread criticism. Amnesty noted that accusations of rape, defilement and murder are increasingly used as campaign tools, with no follow-up investigations, leaving victims without justice.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, however, has vowed to counter critics who insult the President. A Nation editorial observed that the insults and body shaming have occurred at funerals, political rallies and even religious services.
With campaigns for the 2027 General Election not yet officially underway, the tone has already raised concern. Kenyans expect their leaders to debate jobs, the cost of living and public services, not to trade personal insults.
Unchecked hostility risks deepening ethnic and political divisions, particularly in a country with a painful history of election-related violence.
Both leaders have a responsibility to restore civility and put policy before personal attacks. Decency in public discourse is not optional; it is essential to protecting national unity ahead of the vote.
Source:https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/politics/article/2001562087/from-accusations-of-extortion-to-murder-tribal-jibes-and-body-sha
Leave a Reply