President William Ruto has dismissed the recent launch of Martha Karua’s People’s Liberation Party (PLP) in Meru County, accusing opposition leaders of using the event to attack him instead of focusing on their political agenda.
Speaking in Taita Taveta County on Friday, February 28, Ruto hit out at opposition figures who attended the event, including Karua, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
He questioned their motives, arguing that instead of discussing policies and solutions for Kenyans, they spent most of their time criticizing his leadership.
“I saw some people trying to launch a political party yesterday, but instead of explaining their vision, they spent four hours talking about William Ruto. Is the party about me? Did they form it for Ruto?” the president remarked.
Ruto went on to challenge the opposition to come up with a clear name and manifesto for their party rather than centering their discussions around him.
“Their entire agenda is just about me. I did not send them to talk about me. If they are serious, let them tell us what their party stands for,” he added.
The president also accused the opposition of promoting tribal divisions instead of focusing on pressing national issues.
He warned that such tactics would not gain them political mileage and urged them to prioritize development and real solutions to the challenges facing Kenyans.
“The era of tribal politics is long gone. Kenyans are interested in progress, not tribal rhetoric. If they want to remain relevant, they should focus on meaningful discussions that benefit citizens,” Ruto stated.
His remarks followed sharp criticism from Rigathi Gachagua during the PLP launch. The former Deputy President took a swipe at Ruto, accusing him of misleading Kenyans with empty promises.
Speaking at the event on Thursday, February 27, Gachagua alleged that Ruto had deceived both ordinary citizens and influential groups, including religious leaders, into supporting his presidential bid in 2022.
“In my entire life, I have never met a liar as bold as Ruto. He can look you straight in the eye and lie without hesitation,” Gachagua claimed.
He further accused Ruto of mismanaging the country in the two years he has been in office, arguing that the president had weakened the education and healthcare systems while making life more expensive for Kenyans.
“Since Ruto took over, the cost of living has skyrocketed, and essential services like education and healthcare have deteriorated. Kenyans are struggling under his leadership,” Gachagua stated.
The exchange between Ruto and the opposition leaders highlights the growing political tension as rival factions position themselves ahead of the next election cycle.
Whether the new party will gain momentum remains to be seen, but Ruto has made it clear that he will not sit back and allow his critics to shape the political narrative unchallenged.
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