Political analyst David Makali has called on Kalenjin elders to intervene in President William Ruto’s increasingly confrontational style, arguing that the head of state’s tone with opposition leaders is fuelling political tension.
Makali said Ruto’s aggressive rhetoric — marked by spats, lectures and repeated “I will not allow” vows — detracts from governance and could harm national cohesion.
He urged elders to remind the president that “the presidency is not a life and death affair,” adding that Kenya will continue regardless of his confrontations.
“Kalenjin elders should call their son, President Ruto, to advise him to calm down. The presidency is not a life and death affair, and Kenya will go on as it has after his predecessors. He is too noisy with spats, lectures, threats, and ‘I will not allow’ vows. If he will listen," the political analyst said.
Makali’s comments come amid broader national debate about the tone of political discourse under Ruto’s administration.
Critics have noted a pattern of personal language directed at opposition figures, including dismissals of their political standing and threats of action against perceived critics.
Some opposition leaders have publicly pushed back, arguing that the presidency should focus on policy rather than personalities.
Civil society and political commentators have also weighed in, describing the current atmosphere as unpresidential and urging a return to issue‑based engagement.
Observers link the heightened rhetoric to mounting public pressure over economic concerns, including the fallout from protests and the contentious Finance Bill that sparked nationwide demonstrations under the hashtag #RutoMustGo.
Ruto’s allies defend his approach as firm leadership in a tumultuous political landscape, arguing that strong statements are necessary to counter what they describe as destabilising moves by the opposition.
Independent analysts, however, caution that sustained personal attacks can deepen divisions ahead of the 2027 general election and distract from urgent national priorities.
Kalenjin elders have previously played a stabilising role in regional politics, and Makali’s call reflects concern about communal leadership in national discourse.
Some Kalenjin elders have expressed loyalty to Ruto in past political debates, while others have raised concerns about divisive public statements by political leaders.
Opposition figures, including leaders from various parties, have seized on the moment to reiterate calls for issue‑based politics and restraint from state leaders. They argue that focusing on governance challenges — such as employment, cost of living and service delivery — should take precedence over rhetorical battles.