The political rivalry between President William Ruto and his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua has taken a personal turn, with the two leaders now trading remarks that observers say amount to body shaming.
What began as a political fallout is quickly escalating into a nasty war of words, as both sides intensify their campaigns ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
It started on Sunday in Kiambu, where Gachagua who has declared his mission to block President Ruto from securing a second term, mocked the President’s appearance during a public address.
“Na uzuri atakiwa na hiyo pesa yote halali. Si umeona amekonda mpaka masikio imekuja juu? Heh? Mmeona?” he said.
Gachagua’s remarks appeared to suggest that President Ruto is allegedly amassing wealth improperly, while also taking a swipe at his physical features.
But President Ruto did not stay silent.
On Tuesday, while responding to critics, President Ruto, the target of an apparent body shaming by Gachagua, picked the baton and took the low road race to the next phase.
“…Mtu mwenye ako na pepo ya ukabila na chuki na kisirani anatuambia nini kama Wakenya,” Ruto indicated.
Rage was apparent in the president’s voice, tone and manner.
“You cold-blooded thief stealing from your own brother, stealing from orphans, stealing from widows and you want to give us a lecture unazunguka kwa barabara kwa mazishi eti unatuongelesha kitu gani mtu ambaye ameenda akatia mimba watoto wadogo kama rika ya mtoto wake halafu anaua hao watoto halafu anatuambia mambo yake. You cold-blooded murderer, you cold-blooded thief,” the head of state vehemently retorted.
The Head of State fired back, this time dragging in one of his rivals, Fred Matiang’i, in a blunt and equally personal attack.
“Kwanza mimi nauliza wengine waende gym. Kwanza. Wacheni kula chakula mingi. Tumbo karibu inapasuka. Kichwa karibu inapasuka. Mnalala kwa mkutano mchana. Ata hewa mnaharibu. Kwendeni kabisa. Bure!” Ruto said.
Though he mentioned no name, Ruto’s remarks invited a response from the Jubilee presidential aspirant.
“First of all sijui kwanini unasumbuka vile mimi nakula kwa sababu mimi sikuli kwa bibi yako, hujaniona nikienda kutafuta chakula kwa bibi yako ama watu wako. Mimi nakula Kisii sasa hiyo kama ndio inanisumbua,” stated Jubilee’s Fred Matiang’i.
Ruto, who was clearly on a roll went for his next target who was someone in Kitale, though he did not mention names.
“Iko mwingine wa kutoka hapa Kitale aliwachiwa mali na ndugu yake watoto wanateseka ajue bei ya diaper kwanza,” Ruto noted.
His remarks, widely interpreted as targeting political opponents, have further fueled criticism that leaders are now crossing the line from policy debates into personal insults.
Kenya’s political scene has long been known for heated exchanges.
The latest trend of body-related insults however has marked a new low, raising concerns about the tone of the 2027 campaign with more than a year before campaigns officially kick off.
