KK leaders criticise Uhuru, drum up support for Ruto's re-election

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta came under sharp criticism from leaders allied to President William Ruto as National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, Kakamega Governor and the President's aide Farouk Kibet intensified campaigns for Ruto's re-election in Western Kenya. 

Speaking during a Church Fundraising event in Chekalini Lugari Constituency and Malava Constituency in Kakamega County in a separate event, the leaders dismissed Uhuru's recent calls for Kenyans to defend democracy and exercise their constitutional rights, accusing him of attempting to remain politically relevant after leaving office. 

The leaders instead urged residents of the Western region to rally behind President Ruto's 2027 re-election bid, arguing that the region's development would be better secured through cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration. 

Wetang'ula called on voters to support President Ruto overwhelmingly in the next general election, saying the head of state remained the best hope for the country's economic transformation. 

"Come 2027, let us walk with President William Ruto the same way we walked with Raila Odinga. We must support the President because he is our hope and the hope of this country," said Wetang'ula. 

The Speaker urged residents to register and vote in large numbers, assuring them that the government was implementing programmes aimed at improving livelihoods and accelerating development across the country. 

"We urge you to vote in large numbers. After the elections, everything will change because the government has plans to improve the lives of ordinary Kenyans," he said. 

Wetang'ula claimed that only a few leaders within the Luhya community were opposing government programmes and creating unnecessary political distractions. 

According to him, the majority of leaders and residents in the region were firmly behind President Ruto and his development agenda. 

In the middle of his speech, the Speaker paused to mourn students who lost their lives in the recent dormitory fire tragedy at Utawala Academy. 

He sent condolences to the affected families and called on Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to strengthen safety measures in boarding schools across the country. 

Wetang'ula urged the Ministry of Education to ensure every school dormitory has a mature and responsible matron capable of supervising learners and responding to emergencies. 

"The deaths of those students should serve as a wake-up call. We want every dormitory in Kenya to have a mature matron to ensure the safety and welfare of learners," he said. 

Governor Barasa urged residents of the Western region not to be swayed by Uhuru's hand in supporting some of the local leaders to confuse the region, stating that, as governors from the region, they have decided to support Ruto’s re-election bid. 

"We have Ruto bordering our county and for us as Mulembe nation, if we want to ascend to power without much work, we should support Ruto in 2027. As governors, we have decided that we are going to give political direction and we have already decided that we are behind Ruto," said Barasa. 

He added, "We must take over from Ruto in 2032 and our people should not be swayed by leaders like Uhuru who have nothing to show to the region in terms of development when he was in the office and therefore, we must correctly direct and show our people the right political path." 

Farouk Kibet echoed Wetang'ula's sentiments and dismissed the emerging Linda Mwananchi movement, saying it lacked direction and was merely being used to attack the government. 

He also took a swipe at Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, questioning his political experience and leadership credentials. 

"Sifuna came here the other day and now he is calling himself a major political force. He says, 'Mimi ndio Sifuna.' Leadership is not about slogans. He cannot compare himself with Wetang'ula, who has decades of experience in politics and public service," said Farouk. 

The President's aide described Wetang'ula as one of Kenya's most experienced leaders and urged younger politicians to respect senior leaders. 

Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe also joined the attack, accusing Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale of disrespecting community elders. 

Wangwe faulted Khalwale for allegedly attacking Wetang'ula during a recent burial ceremony in Bungoma County, saying funerals should not be turned into political battlegrounds. 

"It was unfortunate for Senator Khalwale to attack Speaker Wetang'ula during the burial of a fellow elder. Such conduct shows disrespect and does not reflect our cultural values," Wangwe said. 

He urged residents to reject leaders who engage in divisive politics and instead support those championing unity and development. 

"We must vote out leaders who continue bringing shame to our community through constant political fights and disrespect for elders. We need leaders who unite our people and focus on development," he said. 

Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe and Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli maintained that Western Kenya stands to benefit more by working closely with the national government and supporting President Ruto's leadership ahead of the 2027 General Election, while urging upcoming leaders to respect their seniors.