Uhuru Reacts After Ruto Calls Gachagua a Fool During Coast Tour

President William Ruto’s increasingly combative political language has drawn fresh attention, with former President Uhuru Kenyatta questioning the contrast between the President’s Christian image and his public attacks on political opponents.

During his recent tour of the Coast, Ruto angrily dismissed a journalist who asked him about remarks by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua concerning the mining of niobium minerals in Mrima Hills, Kwale County.

Ruto responded in Swahili before giving his position in English.

“Usiniletee maneno ya mtu mjinga kama huyo tafadhali. Tuongee maneno mengine, yule ni mpuuzi sana yule,” Ruto said.

He added: “Please don’t ask me about the claims of such a foolish person. Let’s discuss something else. That man is a fool.”

The remarks have added to concerns about the tone of political debate as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta also criticised the use of insults in politics during the burial of Jackson Karua, the father of former Justice Minister Martha Karua.

“When they go to church, they condemn the tendency to insult leaders, but in the next minute after leaving church, they start insulting others,” Uhuru said.

He added: “I just look at them and laugh when they insult me because they are wasting their time.”

The article notes that Ruto has also used ridicule against opposition figures, including comments about their appearance and past performance in government.

At the same time, the President has continued to project himself as a deeply religious leader.

This contrast was also highlighted when plans to construct an 8,000-seat church at State House emerged last year.

The project was estimated to cost Ksh1.2 billion and attracted public debate.

Defending the plan at the time, Ruto said: “The devil might be angry and can do what he wants.”

Political analyst Harrison Muiruri argues that such language can lower the standard of political debate.

According to Muiruri, political disagreements risk moving away from ideas and policies towards personal attacks, ridicule, humiliation and confrontation.

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