Former UNCTADs Dr Mukhisa Kituyi has criticised President William Ruto’s leadership style, arguing that his approach risks blurring the line between governance and political campaigning.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Wednesday night, Kituyi said the presidency demands a shift from campaign rhetoric to structured leadership.
Kituyi questioned the President’s frequent public appearances, including roadside addresses and informal stops, saying they create the impression of a leader still on the campaign trail.
He maintained that the office of the President should project authority, order and focus on governance.
“We’ve never had a President who is this obsessed with rooftop stops and campaign things,” Kituyi said. “The President should be presidential; stop walking around like you’re campaigning all the time.”
President Ruto has in recent months sustained an active schedule of public engagements across the country, often stopping to address crowds and interact with residents.
Allies have defended the approach, saying it reflects a hands-on leadership style and keeps the administration in touch with wananchi.
But Kituyi warned that such a style could undermine the distinction between political mobilisation and the responsibilities of high office.
His remarks add to a growing debate over how the presidency should balance visibility with institutional leadership.
He also raised concern over what he described as the increasing politicisation of public service, warning that professional expertise is being sidelined in favour of political considerations.
“One of the biggest disasters of government today is politicians have replaced career professionals as the managers of public service,” he said.
“This nonsense of appointing politicians as advisors takes decisions away from career professionals to political errand boys.”
According to Kituyi, the trend risks weakening institutions by shifting decision-making away from experienced technocrats to individuals driven by political loyalty.
He argued that strong public institutions depend on career professionals who understand systems, policy frameworks and long-term planning.