MWATATE, Kenya — President William Ruto has warned political leaders against appearing drunk at public gatherings, in remarks that appeared directed at retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Ruto also criticised leaders who continue discussing the 2022 presidential election, saying they risk making “incoherent” remarks because they are “confused”.
“The election was held four years ago, but because of being confused, you come and speak incoherent things,” Ruto said on Sunday while speaking at Mwatate Gospel Church in Taita Taveta County.
Ruto Criticises Continued Focus on 2022 Election
The remarks came five days after Uhuru questioned why his name continued to feature prominently 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 disputed 2022 presidential election, saying he remained convinced that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had won.
The Supreme Court, however, unanimously upheld the declaration of Ruto as President after Raila challenged the election result.
Uhuru questioned why political leaders continued discussing his administration and record instead of focusing on governing the country.
He also recalled that his administration handed over power peacefully after the Supreme Court ruling.
‘You Cannot Show Up Drunk’
Ruto subsequently turned his attention to the conduct of political leaders, urging those in positions of influence to serve 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.
The President did not identify the leader he was referring to.
Ruto Calls for Discipline Among Leaders
Ruto urged political leaders to exercise discipline and restraint, saying their conduct has an influence on the 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.
He also appealed to parents, religious leaders and communities to help promote responsible behaviour among young people.
“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.
