Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has condemned President William Ruto for insulting opposition leaders during his Ukambani tour, saying the remarks against Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka are an attack on the entire Kamba community.
Speaking at the traditional wedding ceremony of Pastor Ezekiel Odero and Pastor Sarah in Kikumini, Emali, on Friday, Wavinya accused the President of showing blatant contempt for the region. She argued that Kalonzo, as the region’s political kingpin, represents the community wherever he goes, making any insult directed at him a slight against all Kambas.
“Ruto ameonyesha Wakamba madharau sana. Anakuja hapa Ukambani kututukana sisi; ukitusi Kalonzo ni sisi umetusi,” Wavinya said. She added, “Ukiambia mtoto baba yako hana akili, inamaanisha wewe, mama yako na kila mtu katika ile familia hana akili.”
The Governor, joined by Kalonzo Musyoka, Deputy Majority Leader Owen Baya, and other local leaders, warned that verbal attacks on the opposition leader would not be tolerated. She defended her decision to skip one of the President’s public events in Machakos, citing the disrespect shown to Kalonzo.
“I did not attend; when someone comes to insult our father, why would I go and sit with him?” she said. “The one you are disrespecting is the same one who will come and finish this matter. If you disrespect my community, I will have no business with you even if you are the president.”
Her remarks follow growing criticism over Ruto’s language during his four-day Ukambani tour, where he repeatedly described opponents as “fools” and “brainless,” despite his calls to end political insults.
In Kitui, Ruto intensified his rhetoric, claiming that opposition leaders “have no plan, no agenda, no wisdom,” while dismissing critics of his governance and shareholding policies as “wapumbavu” and “wajinga.”
Wavinya’s response underscores the rising tension in Ukambani politics, highlighting that the Kamba community expects respect for their leaders and will not tolerate continued verbal attacks.
