“Ukitusi Kalonzo, umetusi sisi” — Wavinya Ndeti Slams Ruto’s Ukambani Remarks

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has hit out at President William Ruto. She criticized his repeated insults targeting opposition leaders during his Ukambani tour. Speaking on Friday at the wedding of Pastor Ezekiel Odero and Pastor Sarah in Kikumini, Emali, Ndeti said the remarks against Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka were an attack on the Kamba community.

The Governor said Kalonzo represents Ukambani whenever he speaks or attends events. Insulting him, she argued, is like insulting the people. “Ruto ameonyesha Wakamba madharau sana. Anakuja hapa Ukambani kututukana sisi; ukitusi Kalonzo ni sisi umetusi. Ukiambia mtoto baba yako hana akili, inamaanisha wewe kama mtoto, mama yako na kila mtu katika ile familia hana akili,” Ndeti said.

She was joined by Kalonzo Musyoka, Deputy Majority Leader Owen Baya, Bishop Muiru, and other leaders. Ndeti warned the community would not tolerate further verbal attacks. She criticized Ruto’s arrogance. “I know Kalonzo cannot go to Sugoi to insult Ruto because he is a man of honour and fears God. But Ruto comes here to belittle him,” she added.

Ndeti also explained why she skipped one of Ruto’s events in Machakos. “I did not attend; when someone comes to insult our father, why would I go and sit with him? They think Kalonzo is quiet, that he is a diplomat, so they just take him for granted. I just want to tell you that the one you are disrespecting is the same one who will come and finish this matter,” she said.

The Governor stressed that any attack on Kalonzo is an attack on the Kamba community. “If you disrespect my community, I am a daughter of this community, and if you insult us, I have no business with you, even if you are the president; respect my people and I will respect you,” she said.

Her comments come after Ruto’s four-day Ukambani tour. He repeatedly called opponents “fools” and “brainless.” At one stop, he said, “Mtu ambaye mpango hana. Sera hana ajenda hana. Akili hana. Huyo ni mtu wa kuchagua?” In Kitui, he added, “Mpango hawana. Sera hawana. Hata akili… alaa kwani mnawajua? Salaale.”

Ruto has also labeled critics of his governance policies as “wapumbavu” and “wajinga,” continuing a pattern despite urging Kenyans to reject the politics of insults.