President Ruto Criticises Opposition After Sweeping By-Election Wins
President William Ruto has celebrated what he termed a major victory for the broad-based government after securing all the parliamentary seats contested in the November 27 by-elections.
At the same time, he sharply criticised the opposition, accusing them of lacking meaningful ideas and depending on tribal and divisive politics instead of offering solutions that help Kenyans.
Speaking on Friday, November 28, 2025, during the official launch of the Rironi–Mau Summit Road in Kamandura, Kiambu County, President Ruto praised voters for supporting candidates aligned with his administration. He said the outcome of the polls demonstrated that Kenyans were choosing development and unity rather than empty political rhetoric.
He stressed that his government was focused on delivering projects across the country, saying it was time to build the nation instead of fueling conflict and political drama.
“Out of the seven parliamentary seats that were up for grabs, all were won by candidates from the broad-based government. Some people have no agenda and no plan.
They come around talking about Kasongo, ‘wantam’ and who must go,” the President said. He went on to argue that the opposition did not have real proposals for public development. “They don’t know how roads will be built. What they know is spreading tribalism and division. That is not an agenda,” he added.
The by-elections, organised by the IEBC, took place in select parts of the country and included several key constituencies that were viewed as politically significant for both the government and the opposition.
In Mbeere North constituency, UDA’s Leo Muthende secured a narrow victory against Newton Kariuki of the United Opposition.
The race attracted high-level interest, with both Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua touring the area separately to campaign for their preferred candidates.
Their intense door-to-door campaigns were widely seen as part of a broader contest for political control within the Mount Kenya region.
Malava constituency also became a major showdown. Government-backed David Ndakwa defeated Seth Panyako, who was running under the United Opposition banner.
The campaigns in Malava were highly charged, with scenes of tension and chaos, including destruction of property both before and during election day.
In other constituencies, Harrison Kombe, Boyd Were, and Moses Omondi — all from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), a party aligned with the government — captured the Magarini, Kasipul, and Ugunja parliamentary seats.
These victories strengthened the government’s political presence even in regions traditionally viewed as opposition strongholds.
President Ruto used the occasion to challenge political leaders to shift their focus towards development-based politics rather than name-calling and what he described as “empty talk.”
“‘Wantam’ is not a plan; it is just spreading hate. We are here to discuss the needs of the people. You are busy discussing leaders. While you are planning for the next election, we are planning for the next generation,” he said.
The President thanked Kenyans for sending what he described as a powerful message against tribal and divisive politics. He said the outcome of the by-elections showed that citizens wanted unity, peace, and progress rather than conflict.
“Kenyans have spoken loudly. They are tired of hate and tribalism,” he stated.
Ruto also reassured the Mt. Kenya region of his continued support, acknowledging that voters from the area played a major role in his 2022 presidential victory. He promised to prioritise development in the region as part of his government’s national agenda.
“I became President because you stood with me. I assure you that we will continue walking together until Kiambu and the whole country are fully developed,” President Ruto concluded.
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