Matiang’i to Ruto: Opposition is democracy, not rebellion

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i

Jubilee presidential candidate Fred Matiang’i has criticised remarks made by President William Ruto describing retired President Uhuru Kenyatta as a “rebel leader” over claims that Uhuru is sponsoring opposition activities ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking in Siaya on Tuesday, Ruto described his former boss as a rebel leader.

“Mimi nashangaa, mtu ambaye amekuwa Rais wa Kenya, unaacha kiti ya Rais, badala ya kwenda kuwa statesman, unaenda kuwa rebel leader, kiongozi wa upinzani,” Ruto said while welcoming a court ruling that barred Uhuru from holding office in a political party.

In a statement on Wednesday, Matiang’i claimed Ruto was spending too much time “hunting for sponsors of the opposition” instead of serving the citizens who elected him.

He said criticism of the government and lawful political participation were part of the opposition’s democratic mandate and did not amount to rebellion.