In a revealing radio political talk show that stirred discussion across the political spectrum, Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi positioned himself as a voice of generational change, declaring that he has never met President William Ruto, not even when he served as Deputy President or during the political truce that followed the handshake between Raila Odinga and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Speaking during a local radio political show on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Amisi used his platform to challenge what he called outdated political behaviour, insisting that young leaders must model a different brand of politics from the past.

“I stand as the only Member of Parliament who has never met President William Ruto,” Amisi said.

“Even when everyone was scrambling to meet him during his time as Deputy President, even during the handshake, I didn’t see the need.”

New school vs old school

Amisi’s remarks come at a time when Kenyan politics is experiencing a generational push-and-pull, with younger politicians often caught between traditional party loyalties and demands for fresh political thinking. For Amisi, that shift is not theoretical; it’s personal and deliberate.

“When I decided that this was my way of doing politics and I don’t agree with you, then there’s no meeting point,” he added, dismissing the idea that political diplomacy requires crossing ideological lines.

His words suggest growing discontent among younger legislators who feel boxed in by the older guard’s tactics of shifting loyalty for survival or positioning. For Amisi, he sees himself as part of a new crop of leaders who value principle over proximity to power.

“We are trying to be different,” he said. “If we behave like the older generation, then what will young people learn from us?”

By distancing himself from what he describes as transactional politics, Amisi is setting a clear expectation for his peers, urging a shift in leadership approach to maintain the trust of the younger generation they represent.

Amisi’s sentiments come as divisions continue to rock ODM, with some members supporting the broad-based government while others asking the party to reconsider its decision ahead of the 2027 polls.

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna recently rattled some members by declaring the union between ODM and UDA dead. Responding to Sifuna’s sentiments, Raila insisted that ODM is a democratic party and everyone has the right of expression.