NAIROBI, Kenya- Kitutu Chache South MP Antony Kibagendi has urged President William Ruto to stop attacking former President Uhuru Kenyatta and instead answer questions about his administration’s record.
In a statement, Kibagendi accused the President of turning Kenyatta into a political enemy during visits to regions considered his strongholds.
The lawmaker said Ruto should account for his government’s performance on taxation, the cost of living, unemployment, healthcare, education, insecurity and corruption.
“William Ruto is President. Your administration controls the Executive. Your government controls the Treasury, the ministries, the security apparatus and the machinery of government,” Kibagendi said.
Kibagendi argued that responsibility for addressing the difficulties facing Kenyans rested with the government currently in office.
He questioned whether Kenyatta could be blamed for the taxes introduced under Ruto’s administration, the rising cost of basic goods and the revenue measures affecting households and businesses.
The MP also raised concerns about funding delays in educational institutions, challenges associated with the transition from NHIF to the Social Health Authority and growing anxiety among young Kenyans over employment opportunities.
“You cannot simultaneously demand credit for the successes of your administration and transfer responsibility for its failures to your predecessor,” he said.
Kibagendi challenged Ruto to campaign for re-election on his record and explain what his administration had delivered under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
He said the President should address the cost of living, job creation, healthcare, education funding, corruption, public debt and the operating environment for small businesses.
The MP acknowledged that Kenyatta’s administration had faced economic and governance controversies but maintained that the former President was no longer responsible for managing the country.
“Uhuru Kenyatta is retired. He is no longer responsible for running the Government of Kenya. You are,” Kibagendi told Ruto.
He said the 2027 General Election should focus on Ruto’s record, the economy, employment, healthcare, education, accountability, constitutionalism and the performance of public institutions.
“Mr President, you asked for the job. You have the job. You control the government. Now answer for the record of the government you lead,” he said.
