Keep off Ruto, Wangwe, Shinali warn Uhuru

Kakamega ODM Members of Parliament, led by Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali and his Navakholo counterpart Emmanuel Wangwe, have warned former President Uhuru Kenyatta over his recent statements on the leadership of President William Ruto, saying the statements were unacceptable and shouldn’t be repeated.

Speaking on Monday, April 6, 2026, in Ikolomani and Navakholo subcounties respectively, the lawmakers said the former president should distance himself from active politics and focus on supporting William Ruto. They warned that trying to sabotage Ruto’s work would cost the country.

The Ikolomani MP urged Mt Kenya residents to unite against any politician who tries to distract from Ruto’s achievements, adding that the time for politics had not yet come.

He said former President Uhuru Kenyatta had not visited his constituency for ten years, but William Ruto had initiated several projects in the area, including the Iguhu Gold Refinery, which would benefit people.

“I have never seen former President Uhuru in Ikolomani; he used to stay in Mt Kenya but never bothered coming to western region, so sowing division between President William Ruto and kenyans should not be his priority. We want him to leave Ruto alone,” Shinali said.

The legislator alleged that President William Ruto has initiated many projects that were never Uhuru’s priority when he was in power, and him talking ill about Ruto’s work is unacceptable and shouldn’t be tolerated.

However, Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe echoed Shinali’s sentiments, saying Uhuru Kenyatta had left the country on the edge.

Wangwe said President Ruto had tried his best to revive the country’s economy and should be left to finish his work in peace.

Wangwe highlighted that recent statements from the former president warranted concern because they were full of hatred and tribalism.

“Speaking in the Agikuyu language was a sign of tribalism. As a retired president, he should stay away from politics. If he wants to engage in politics, we will meet him head-on by blackmail,” Wangwe said.

These statements from the Members of Parliament come after Uhuru’s speech at a funeral in Kirinyaga County, where he called on Mt Kenya residents to unite.

The former President said Mt Kenya leaders should be united and listen to the ground, adding that during the 2022 election They didn’t listen to him, and that’s why they are suffering.

According to Uhuru Kenyatta, leadership is not about insults, and Kenyans should avoid politicians but choose leaders who have good track records.

“Leadership is not about insults. I warned you in the last elections, but you didn’t listen to me. This time I urge you to elect good leaders but not politicians,” Uhuru said.

Further, the lawmakers reiterated that President William has played a major role in uniting Kenyans, but Uhuru is busy splitting them by using the local Kikuyu language, which shows tribalism.

The MPs used the platform to laud the president on the arrest of the Kenya Pipeline Commission boss, EPRA and other leaders who were involved in the fuel saga, saying he lacks tribalism.

They said Ruto is trying to fight corruption which was there during Uhuru’s era without politics.

“The President has arrested those involved in the fuel scandal to show he is beyond tribal thoughts, unlike Uhuru, who shielded his own people,” Wangwe said.

Furthermore, the duo urged residents to register as voters for them to elect President William Ruto for the second time.

They said the president has initiated most developments in Kakamega, and he should be re-elected again to finish what he began.