Former Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando has sharply criticized President William Ruto, accusing him of undermining his constitutional role as the symbol of national unity through repeated personal attacks on opposition figures.
Speaking on Tuesday, Kabando invoked Article 131(1)(e) of the Constitution of Kenya, which designates the President as the Head of State and Government, emphasizing that the office embodies the unity of the nation’s peoples and communities.
He said the instruments of presidential power, including the Sword of Honour, the Constitution, and the Public Seal, are meant to symbolize rule of law and authority — responsibilities he claims Ruto has failed to uphold.
“In H.E William Samoei Ruto, we have an erratic, eccentric, paranoid holder of this office,” Kabando said.
“A president, however provoked, should not lower the bar as Ruto has. While opposition leaders could have struck back, the concerns raised by Rigathi Gachagua in church on Sunday are 100% true and of grave national importance. These are matters the President is constitutionally obliged to address without being petty or defensive.”
Kabando stressed that it is the duty of the United Alternative Government, the main opposition coalition, to keep the government accountable.
He described Gachagua, despite his party’s limited representation, as effectively the “official” opposition leader, whose voice continues to unsettle the administration.
While Kabando disapproved of some opposition tactics, including personal jabs at the President’s appearance, he argued that Ruto’s attacks on figures such as Dr. Fred Matiang’i are unacceptable.
“I disagree with body-shaming the President, just as it is wrong for Ruto to demean Dr. Matiang’i. But Rigathi Gachagua is largely correct in highlighting the President’s alleged insatiable greed and corrupt practices,” Kabando said.
The former MP went further, calling Ruto a threat to Kenya’s security, unity, and progress, describing his presidency as “a mistake and a curse.”
Kabando reaffirmed his confidence in the opposition’s capacity to unseat the President in the upcoming 2027 general elections, predicting a decisive victory.
“We will beat Ruto by 70% at the poll on Tuesday, 10th August 2027,” he said.
Kabando also highlighted the need for enhanced security for opposition leaders, particularly Gachagua, whom he described as the “glue” holding the coalition together and effectively challenging Ruto’s influence.
He urged unity among opposition ranks to maintain pressure on State House and dismantle what he termed “Rutoism.”
The former MP concluded by emphasizing a national call to action: “The unity of purpose to remove Rutoism from State House requires energetic injections from leaders like Rigathi. Kenya belongs to all of us, and we must safeguard it against corruption and misrule.”
Kabando’s remarks come amid escalating rhetoric between the presidency and opposition figures, with Ruto’s recent speeches targeting critics in language described by observers as both personal and provocative.