Dan Maanzo: Ruto has lost 2027 votes as a result of insults and lies
By Aloys Michael, March 19, 2026Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo has jolted President William Ruto, claiming the Head of State has significantly eroded his support base ahead of the 2027 General Election amid verbal sparring with opposition figures.
Speaking in an interview on a local TV station on Thursday, March 19, 2026, Maanzo argued that the president’s public conduct, particularly during official engagements, is costing him political goodwill among Kenyans.
“He has lost popularity completely because of his lies and is continuing to lose more because of those insults. He did not gain votes. He lost votes from people who are supporting him, who are adults of sound mind,” he stated.
The senator’s remarks come in the wake of a controversial development tour by President Ruto, during which he appeared to abandon the decorum expected of his office.
At one event, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) chief shifted focus away from official briefings, such as the explanation of the Chwele Market design, and instead launched into a tirade against opposition leaders.
The president used inflammatory language, including personal attacks and body-shaming remarks. He mocked one opposition figure for overeating, saying his head was growing fat, and accused another of disinheriting a relative’s widow, claims that touched on sensitive family matters.
Despite defence from Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Maanzo argues that such statements undermine the dignity of the presidency, an office constitutionally meant to symbolise national unity.
The legislator emphasised that such conduct reflects poorly on leadership standards and alienates voters.
“They realise this cannot be my leader. It is not going to help anyone to insult another person,” he said.
Maanzo defend opposition
The senator framed the opposition’s criticism of the President as legitimate and lawful, describing it as fair comment. In legal terms, he said fair comment allows individuals to express honest opinions on matters of public interest without it constituting defamation.
“In law, it amounts to something called fair comment. So if a fair comment is made upon you, you do not reply to it with abuses, it means that you have failed the test,” Maanzo explained.
He added that the opposition’s statements were grounded in accountability rather than malice.
“I believe the statements made by the opposition leaders amounted to fair comment,” he said,
Maanzo also warned that the President risks further political isolation if he does not recalibrate his approach. According to him, the path forward requires introspection and a data-driven strategy rather than public outbursts.
“He can sit down on a table with his experts, go through the numbers in the country. He has also realised the country is against him,” he said.
The unfolding political tension signals an early buildup to the 2027 elections, with rhetoric on both sides intensifying.