Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has distanced himself from what he termed as toxic and abusive politics, urging leaders to embrace civility and issue-based engagement.

In a statement on his official X account on Friday, March 20, 2026, Wamalwa said that his personal values and political ideology do not align with the divisive tactics often seen in modern campaigning.

He said his values, being raised religiously, do not allow him to participate in politics driven by insults and hatred, emphasising that leadership should be anchored on respect, wisdom, and accountability to the people.

“Maadili yangu ya kikristo hayaniruhusu kushiriki katika siasa za matusi na chuki. Naamini kuwa uongozi wa kweli hujengwa juu ya heshima, hekima na uwajibikaji kwa watu,” he said.

Loosely translated, “My values do not allow me to participate in the politics of insults and hatred. I believe that true leadership is built on respect, wisdom, and accountability to the people,” he said.

A Poison Chalice

The former Cabinet Secretary further cautioned politicians against engaging in divisive rhetoric, warning that such an approach undermines national unity and constructive dialogue.

He warned the alternative government leaders to avoid joining the insults, describing it as a poison chalice.

“I want to urge my colleagues from the alternative government to avoid drinking from that cup; it is a poison chalice,” Wamalwa added.

Wamalwa claimed that President Ruto, feeling threatened by the opposition’s rising political momentum, has resorted to personal attacks against its leaders.

He further interpreted DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua’s remarks about him ‘losing weight’ not as a physical observation, but as a metaphor for a dwindling support base and a loss of political influence.

“Sio kwamba alikasirishwa na matamshi ya Riggy G kuwa amekonda; ukweli ni kwamba kura zake ndizo zimekonda,” Wamalwa noted.

Loosely translated, “It is not that he was angered by Riggy G’s remarks that he has lost weight; the truth is that it is his votes that have dwindled,” Wamalwa noted.

Ruto-Opposition public spat

His remarks come in the wake of a public spat in which President Ruto took a swipe at opposition figures over their physical fitness, prompting sharp responses and escalating political tensions.

President Ruto, while speaking in Cheptais, Mt Elgon, in Bungoma County during his tour of the Western region on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, had encouraged opposition leaders to go to the gym.

Ruto argued that the opposition leaders’ ‘big bellies’ could be behind their struggles to stay awake during official meetings.

“Kwanza nawaambia baadhi yenu mwende gym; acheni kula chakula kingi. Matumbo yamejaa hadi vichwa vinakaribia kupasuka. Mnalala kwenye mikutano hata mchana,” Ruto said.

Ruto also took on the opposition leaders, warning them against scavenging for attention in the ongoing governance challenges at Nairobi Hospital.

“To the brainless opposition, the governance challenges at the Nairobi Hospital were nothing more than an opportunity to scavenge for cheap headlines and attention,” Ruto said.