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Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has sharply criticized President William Ruto’s speech delivered on Kenya’s 61st Jamhuri Day, calling it misleading and out of touch with the real concerns of ordinary Kenyans. 

In his response, Kalonzo expressed disappointment that Ruto’s address focused largely on celebrating the achievements of the Kenya Kwanza government rather than reflecting on the nation’s struggles, challenges, and the values of its founding fathers.

Kalonzo, who has been a vocal critic of Ruto’s administration, described the Jamhuri Day speech as “a self-congratulatory ode of pipe dreams and misinformation.” 

He argued that instead of the customary reflective tone expected of such national addresses, the speech appeared to be an attempt to promote the government’s narrative, with little regard for the lived realities of many Kenyans. 

The Wiper leader emphasized that Ruto’s message lacked alignment with the ideals of Kenya’s independence heroes who fought to free the country from colonial oppression.

The former Vice President also claimed that Ruto’s speech was laced with misinformation, stating that it failed to reflect the true spirit of Kenya’s independence movement. 

“It did not reflect the vision of our forebearers who sacrificed to free us from the punishing and dehumanizing yoke of colonialism,” Kalonzo remarked. 

His criticism shows a deeper frustration within the opposition, which has frequently challenged Ruto’s leadership style and governance.

Additionally, Kalonzo raised concerns about the Kenya Kwanza government’s tendency to reward political loyalty, implying that key positions and opportunities were being allocated based on allegiance rather than merit. 

This sentiment aligns with ongoing tensions between Ruto and his critics, including Kalonzo, who have accused the government of promoting favoritism.

Ruto’s Jamhuri Day address, while touching on key government initiatives like food security, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, and the controversial Taifa Care program, also sought to defend the administration’s achievements. 

The president urged critics to base their opposition on facts and not on fake news, warning against the dangers of misinformation in the digital age.

The exchange between Ruto and Kalonzo is part of an ongoing political rivalry, with both leaders consistently at odds over policy matters and leadership approaches.