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Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka launched a blistering critique of President William Ruto’s Jamhuri Day speech, accusing the head of state of peddling pipe dreams and misinformation during the national celebrations held at Uhuru Gardens on December 12, 2024.

In a statement on X that underscored the deep political divisions in Kenya, Musyoka described the address as a missed opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of the country’s founding leaders.

Instead, Kalonzo labelled Ruto’s speech as a self-congratulatory filled with fake facts designed to mislead the public.

“It is highly regrettable that instead of the solemn and reflective national address it is supposed to be, the 60th Jamhuri Day Message today was a Self-Congratulatory Odede of Pipe Dreams and Misinformation by President @WilliamsRuto,” Kalonzo wrote.

“It was rich in FAKE FACTS designed by a Predatory Kenya Kwanza regime to mislead Kenyans,” he added.

The Wiper leader accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of betraying the ideals of Kenya’s independence heroes, whom he said fought valiantly to free the nation from colonial oppression.

“That is not the vision of our forebearers, who sacrificed to free us from the punishing and dehumanizing yoke of colonialism,” Kalonzo said.

A vision divided

Referencing a quote from former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Kalonzo argued that true freedom, peace, and prosperity are indivisible and must benefit all Kenyans.

He accused the Ruto administration of operating on the opposite principle.

“Ruto’s illusionary BETA, whichever way you look at it, is founded on the opposite,” he said.

Adding that; “Freedom is gifted by Kenya Kwanza if you tow their line; ‘peace’ is nominally gifted should you become their mouthpiece; and economic prosperity is a track line limited to their immediate circus.”

Kalonzo’s scathing remarks appeared to target not only the tone of Ruto’s address but also its substance, including claims of economic progress and governance reforms under his administration.

The Wiper Party leader issued a call for unity and resistance against what he described as a predatory regime.

The remarks come as the country grapples with economic challenges, including inflation and a rising cost of living, which have fueled public discontent.

While Ruto’s supporters have praised his administration’s focus on economic transformation, critics argue that the president’s policies have yet to yield tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.

As the country celebrated Jamhuri Day, the exchange highlighted the widening rift in its political landscape, with leaders offering competing visions for the future.

For Kalonzo, Jamhuri Day was not just an occasion to celebrate past victories but also a reminder of the work still needed to realize the promise of independence.

“We must free ourselves from the self-serving shackles of this KK regime that thrives on lies, disinformation and misinformation,” he said.