President William Ruto has accused opposition leaders of being a mouthpiece for retired President Uhuru Kenyatta. Speaking in Taita Taveta on Saturday, September 26, 2026, President Ruto dismissed criticism from the opposition, defending his track record over the last four years. He made these remarks at the start of his week-long tour of the Coast region.
President Ruto alleged that retired President Uhuru Kenyatta is pulling the strings in the opposition camp. He stated that he will not be deterred in his quest to deliver on his manifesto. The President made these comments while inspecting various projects in Taita Taveta, accompanied by leaders including Governor Andrew Mwadime and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi.
During his address, President Ruto criticised the opposition, saying they are misleading the country. He used a local phrase to express his sentiments, “Sasa huyo mjamaa amewaambia enda pinga SHA kwa sababu ilinishinda, enda pinga, enda pinga housing kwa sababu ilinishinda, enda pinga barabara.” The President also pledged to upgrade more roads and markets, saying he will utilise the National Infrastructure Fund to actualise the projects.
The leaders present at the event rallied support for President William Ruto’s second term in office, saying he is best suited to uplift the region. Governor Andrew Mwadime expressed gratitude to President Ruto, saying, “Zamani tulikuwa twala na macho lakini sasa hivi twala na meno, twala na mikono na tunashukuru sana mheshimiwa Rais.”
Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya also addressed the gathering, questioning the role of opposition leaders. He asked, “Kama mbunge wenu anatukana serikali ni wakati gani atakaa na mawaziri? Kama mbunge wenu anakejeli miradi ni wakati gani nyinyi mtafaidika?” The Cabinet Secretary’s remarks were in reference to the opposition’s criticism of the government.
President Ruto’s week-long tour of the Coast region will culminate in the ground-breaking of the Dangote East Africa refinery plant in Lamu on Wednesday. The President’s tour aims to engage with the local community and inspect various projects in the region. The Dangote refinery project is a significant investment in the region, valued at Ksh.2 trillion.
The President’s tour and remarks have sparked reactions from various stakeholders. While some have expressed support for President Ruto’s initiatives, others have criticised his stance on the opposition. The debate is ongoing, with citizens and leaders weighing in on the issues. Key points include:
Key points
- President Ruto accuses opposition leaders of being a mouthpiece for retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
- The President defends his track record and vows to deliver on his manifesto.
- The President’s tour of the Coast region aims to engage with the local community and inspect various projects.
