NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 27 — President William Ruto has warned political leaders against appearing drunk at public gatherings, in an apparent reference to retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Speaking at Mwatate Gospel Church in Taita Taveta County on Sunday, Ruto criticised leaders who continue discussing an election held four years ago, saying they make “incoherent” remarks when they are “confused.”
“The election was held four years ago, but because of being confused, you come and speak incoherent things,” Ruto said.
Ruto did not mention Uhuru by name, but his remarks came five days after the former President questioned why his name continued to feature in political discussions nearly four years after he handed over power.
Speaking during a Jubilee Party leadership handover in Nairobi on September 22, Uhuru also revisited the 2022 election, saying he remained convinced that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had won the contest. The Supreme Court had unanimously upheld Ruto’s victory after Raila challenged the result.
Uhuru questioned why political leaders continued discussing his record instead of focusing on governing the country, saying his administration had handed over power peacefully after the Supreme Court decision.
Ruto then turned to the conduct of political leaders, urging those in positions of influence to act as role models.
“Especially those of us who are leaders, if you are a leader, you ought to be a role model; you cannot be a leader and then show up at a public meeting drunk, and then tell children not to be drunkards,” Ruto said.
He urged leaders to exercise discipline and restraint, saying their conduct influences people who look up to them.
“Please, leaders, I humbly beg you to be disciplined and temperate, knowing that many others rely on us and look up to us,” he said.
Ruto also called on parents, religious leaders and communities to play a role in building what he described as a responsible and stable society.
“It is not going to take government alone; it is going to take government, spiritual leaders, parents, and communities to make sure that we have a stable, forthright nation, and all of us must participate,” he said.
The exchange comes amid renewed political debate over the 2022 election and preparations for the 2027 General Election, with Ruto and Uhuru publicly addressing aspects of their respective political records and roles.
