"Abuse of Power" Ruto Faces Backlash After Hosting UDA Meeting at State House

Peter Salasya. Photo/Courtesy 

Mumias East MP Peter Salaysa has strongly condemned Monday’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) meeting at State House, describing it as a serious breach of Kenya’s Constitution and a violation of the neutrality of national institutions.

In a statement shared on X, Salaysa argued that State House, the official residence of the President, is a symbol of national unity and should not serve as a venue for partisan political activities. 

“Converting it into a venue for partisan political meetings is an abuse of state power and, in any country that genuinely respects the rule of law, sufficient grounds for impeachment,” he said.

Salaysa drew comparisons with other democracies, noting that the White House in Washington, D.C., has never been used as a headquarters for either the Republican or Democratic Party. 

“Institutions are deliberately protected from partisan capture because they belong to the nation, not to those temporarily in office. When State House is politicized, the state loses its neutrality and the presidency is reduced to a partisan instrument,” he added.

The lawmaker emphasized that public office is a trust, not a personal or political asset. 

He described the use of State House for party politics as “wrong, reckless, and unconstitutional,” warning that it undermines democratic governance and erodes public confidence in the presidency.

The UDA, led by President William Ruto, held the meeting at State House to chair the party’s National Governing Council, which endorsed coalition talks with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ahead of the 2027 elections. 

Ruto, in a post on X, defended the meeting, stating that UDA is “building powerful national political parties whose philosophy, vision and understanding go beyond generations.”

He added that the coalition with ODM “guarantees our resounding victory in 2027, providing another opportunity to continue implementing transformative programmes and policies for our country.”