MOMBASA, Kenya – President William Ruto has hit back at Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka after the former Vice President joked that he looks younger than the President despite their age difference.
Speaking in Mombasa on Friday, October 2, Ruto dismissed comparisons based on physical appearance, saying leadership should instead be judged by what leaders do for the people.
“Leadership is not about looks; it is about working for the people,” Ruto said, while referring to Kalonzo as “Mr 40” in reference to his long career in government.
Ruto said voters would ultimately assess leaders based on their records and whether they had delivered on their promises.
Kalonzo’s Age Remark
Kalonzo had earlier turned the spotlight on Ruto’s appearance while responding to the President’s repeated questions about what he had accomplished during his decades in politics.
The Wiper leader said he entered politics at a young age and suggested that this had helped him maintain his appearance despite his long political career.
“When you look at Ruto and me, who looks old?” Kalonzo posed.
Kalonzo also attributed Ruto’s appearance to the pressures associated with serving as President.
The exchange comes as political leaders increasingly position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Ruto And Sifuna Clash Over Dangote Deal
Ruto also engaged Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna over the agreement between the Kenyan government and Dangote Group concerning the planned Sh2.2 trillion refinery in Lamu.
Sifuna has demanded access to the agreement, arguing that Kenyans should be able to scrutinise government commitments relating to major projects.
Ruto, however, questioned Sifuna’s motives and accused him of being sent by a political “sponsor” to seek the agreement in an effort to pressure the investor. The President also referred to the senator as “Mr Empty.”
The remarks followed the groundbreaking of the proposed Dangote East Africa Refinery in Lamu, a project planned to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
Sifuna Cites Constitutional Right
Sifuna has rejected Ruto’s characterisation of his demand and cited Article 35 of the Constitution, which provides for citizens’ access to information held by the State and requires the State to publish and publicise important information affecting the nation.
The senator said disclosure of government information was a constitutional obligation rather than a matter left to the discretion of an individual office holder.
Ruto, meanwhile, has said lawmakers seeking the refinery agreement should use established parliamentary procedures to obtain it.
