Nation on edge as Ruto–Opposition feud turns personal

Clouds are rapidly gathering ahead of the 2027 General Election, warning Kenyans of a potentially heavy and destructive political storm, judging by recent developments between President William Ruto and his United Opposition rivals.

Patience appears to have worn thin, with both sides trading sharp attacks.

President Ruto has urged Kenyans to allow him to deal with the opposition’s “verbal diarrhoea” alone, insisting he is equal to the task.

Speaking in Malava Constituency during the launch of a water project in Butali-Chegulo Ward, the President asked residents to remain focused on development and leave the ongoing political disputes to him.

He stated that the United Opposition had effectively declared verbal war and that he would handle it personally without involving ordinary citizens.

“I urge the good people of Malava and Kenya at large to continue with your daily efforts of building this nation and let me deal with these political puppets who have made me their sole agenda until 2027. I assure you I will destabilise them early and send them into political oblivion,” he said.

As the exchanges intensify, with verbal blows, personal attacks, and accusations, Kenyans, including clergy and civil society, have expressed concern.

Many have condemned the body-shaming, as well as allegations of murder and corruption, describing them as harmful to national stability and moral values.

The President has taken an aggressive stance, responding to critics and dismantling opposition claims, while the opposition has equally escalated its attacks in a bid to weaken his support ahead of the 2027 polls, now just 17 months away.

Both sides appear to have well-orchestrated strategies and are poised to escalate further unless religious leaders and relevant authorities intervene to calm the situation.

According to the President, the opposition has made him their central target.

With “gloves off” and damaging revelations emerging, Kenyans may witness even more shocking disclosures in the coming months.

Social media platforms are awash with reactions, ranging from support to criticism, as the political rivalry turns increasingly personal.

One notable platform, The Statesman Digital, sparked debate after political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi posed provocative questions about the President’s remarks against his rivals.

“Did Ruto have a point when he called Rigathi Gachagua a cold blooded thief who stole from his dead brother?, Was he right when he called Matiang’i fat?, Big stomach and ahead about to burst? And was he right when he doubted whether Wamalwa was a boy or a girl, There are no morals in politics,” penned Ngunyi.

Communications strategist Pauline Njoroge questioned the timing and motive behind allegations made against Rigathi Gachagua, arguing that such claims should be handled through proper legal channels rather than political rallies.

“Being an accomplice to a crime is in itself a crime, Yesterday Ruto made very serious allegations against his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua yet the alleged crime occurred at a time when they were working closely together.

“When that young woman died in an accident, Ruto personally called her mother to condole with her, describing her as a valued supporter they had worked with. At no point did he suggest any foul play. That video still exists.

“Shortly thereafter, he went on to pick Gachagua as his running mate. So the question is, if Ruto believed that Gachagua had committed such a grave crime, why did he remain silent, continued working with him and elevated him to the second highest office in the land?

“And now, why raise these allegations at a political rally instead of presenting evidence to the relevant authorities for proper investigation and prosecution? Would he today call that grieving mother again and confidently repeat what he said at that rally yesterday?” she posed.

Lawyer Wahome Thuku suggested that the President could have responded more diplomatically to body-shaming remarks by focusing on his development agenda instead of engaging in personal exchanges.

He argued that such an approach would have diffused the situation.

Meanwhile, Pastor T. Mwangi observed that the opposition had successfully drawn the President into a “muddy space”, thereby elevating the political contest to their advantage.

“Gachagua was very intentional to get the President’s attention. The President has been dragged into a very murky and muddy space and the opposition is very happy that he has come to their level which gives the battle value,” he noted.

These reactions reflect a deeply divided public, with opinions largely shaped by political allegiance.

However, one message stands out clearly: the escalating hostility must be contained for the sake of national unity and the future of a united Kenya.