The exchange began when President Ruto, speaking in Bungoma County on Tuesday, March 17, criticized opposition figures during a public rally.
In his speech, the head of state defended his recent weight loss, saying it was a deliberate decision to stay focused and effectively serve Kenyans.
He further took a swipe at his critics, urging them to watch their diet, go to the gym, and maintain discipline.
Ruto suggested that some opposition leaders had “eaten too much,” which he linked to arrogance and lack of seriousness in national matters.
Ruto suggested that some opposition leaders had “eaten too much,” which he linked to arrogance and lack of seriousness in national matters.
His comments came amid ongoing political tensions, particularly after remarks by his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua about his physical appearance.
Matiang’i, who is now positioning himself as a key figure in the opposition and a possible 2027 presidential contender, did not take the remarks lightly.
Matiang’i, who is now positioning himself as a key figure in the opposition and a possible 2027 presidential contender, did not take the remarks lightly.
Speaking during the official opening of the Jubilee Party offices in Narok Town, he questioned why the president was focusing on personal issues instead of addressing challenges facing the country.
“I do not understand why you are concerned about how I eat. Sikuli kwako,” Matiang’i said firmly. He added that his lifestyle is his personal matter and does not affect his commitment to serving Kenyans.
The former CS emphasized that he respects the presidency and would not engage in insults, noting that leadership should be guided by dignity and respect.
“I do not understand why you are concerned about how I eat. Sikuli kwako,” Matiang’i said firmly. He added that his lifestyle is his personal matter and does not affect his commitment to serving Kenyans.
The former CS emphasized that he respects the presidency and would not engage in insults, noting that leadership should be guided by dignity and respect.
He said Kenya’s past leaders set standards that current leaders should uphold instead of engaging in public ridicule.
Matiang’i also shifted attention to what he termed as more pressing national concerns, especially corruption in the health sector. He argued that such issues deserve urgent attention rather than political exchanges over personal habits.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions among Kenyans, with some criticizing the growing trend of personal attacks in political discourse.
Matiang’i also shifted attention to what he termed as more pressing national concerns, especially corruption in the health sector. He argued that such issues deserve urgent attention rather than political exchanges over personal habits.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions among Kenyans, with some criticizing the growing trend of personal attacks in political discourse.
Others have called for restraint, warning that such exchanges could undermine national unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Under Kenya’s laws, including the National Cohesion and Integration Act, leaders are expected to avoid inflammatory or insulting language.
Under Kenya’s laws, including the National Cohesion and Integration Act, leaders are expected to avoid inflammatory or insulting language.
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Politics