Africa-Press – Kenya. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has issued a subtle response to President William Ruto amid ongoing personal exchanges between the President and opposition figures.
Reacting to Ruto’s comments about opposition leaders’ physical fitness, Sifuna said he cannot be criticised because his stomach is “within.”
“Hawezi sema juu ya watu wengine kama sisi, kitambi yangu iko within,” Sifuna said during a rally in Narok.
The statement loosely translates to: “He cannot criticise some of us; our stomachs are within.”
In recent days, Ruto and a section of the opposition have been engaged in public verbal altercations, with the President targeting presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i over his eating habits and fitness.
“I have not claimed that you eat at my place; I have just asked you to reduce the portions,” Ruto said.
“And if you were eating at my place, I would have reduced the amounts you eat.”
The President urged opposition leaders to adopt healthier lifestyles, arguing that discipline in personal habits is necessary for effective leadership.
“They should reduce their portions and also exercise so that they do not sleep in rallies and meetings,” Ruto said.
“They should reduce their weight, and maybe then they will have an agenda and come to face me in 2027. For now, they do not have any agenda.”
The remarks came a day after the President made similar comments while addressing residents in Chwele, Bungoma County, where he appeared to respond to criticism from his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, who had previously commented on his physical appearance.
“Kwanza mimi nauliza wengine waende gym… Wacheni kula chakula mingi… Tumbo karibu inapasuka…” Ruto said in Swahili, in comments widely interpreted as targeting opposition figures.
He defended his lifestyle, saying it reflects discipline and focus.
Church leaders have since called on political leaders to exercise restraint in their public utterances. Kisumu Archbishop Maurice Muhatia warned that rising cases of verbal abuse are eroding public confidence and damaging the country’s image.
“I call upon leaders, especially political leaders, to exercise restraint. The children listening to you are shocked, and young people are traumatised because in you is represented the collapse of their aspiration for leadership,” he said.
On Sunday, Archbishop Philip Anyolo of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi also urged leaders to tone down rising tensions and focus on delivering their 2022 campaign pledges, emphasising unity and constructive engagement.
