Mbeere North Member of Parliament Leo Wa Wamuthende has firmly rejected allegations that President William Ruto has employed abusive language towards opposition leaders during his recent political rallies.
Wamuthende asserts that the President’s comments serve as a necessary critique of an opposition that he believes lacks a constructive agenda. In an interview with a local station on Thursday, March 26, 2026, the lawmaker clarified that the President’s observation that certain individuals “lack brains” constitutes a critique of their approach rather than an insult.
“President Ruto has not resorted to abusive language. When he mentioned that some people lack brains, he was merely urging the United Opposition to return with ideas that can compete with the daily achievements of his administration,” Wamuthende stated.
He called upon the United Opposition to cease mere chatter and instead showcase their intellectual capabilities by establishing a shadow cabinet with alternative policy proposals, reminiscent of past opposition leaders.
“That’s not abusive language at all. If you possess the intellect, demonstrate it. I would like to remind Kenyans that there was a time when the opposition actively maintained a shadow cabinet,” Wamuthende emphasized, contending that the current opposition should not limit itself to a one-term agenda or slogans while the President fulfills his responsibilities to the nation.
Additionally, the lawmaker defended President Ruto against accusations of body shaming following his recommendation for citizens to exercise more and moderate their diets. Wamuthende characterized these suggestions as sound advice aligned with medical and nutritional guidelines aimed at preventing non-communicable diseases.
“It is not body shaming to suggest that someone should go to the gym. I haven’t labeled anyone as overweight; I simply advised them to exercise and eat in moderation,” Wamuthende explained.
His comments arise amid a public exchange where President Ruto criticized opposition figures regarding their physical fitness, intensifying political tensions. During his tour of the Western region on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Cheptais, Mt Elgon, Ruto encouraged opposition leaders to prioritize their health.
Ruto noted that the physical condition of some opposition leaders might be contributing to their difficulties in remaining alert during official meetings. “First, I advise some of you to hit the gym; stop overeating. Your bellies are so full that your heads are about to burst. You even doze off during meetings,” Ruto remarked.
Furthermore, Ruto dismissed the opposition’s concerns regarding governance challenges at Nairobi Hospital, labeling their reactions as attempts to garner cheap headlines and attention.
