DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa has criticised President William Ruto for using insults and threats against opposition leaders.

Speaking during a church service in Kiharu on Sunday, March 22, 2026, Wamalwa said the insults were unnecessary, but the threats were unacceptable.

“Ile siasa umeanza kuona ya matusi, kutoka kwa Rais Ruto, na wenzake. Wanasema palipo moshi pana moto. Sisi tunajua kuna jama Bwana Ruto anapanga,” Wamalwa said.

“Ile matusi alikuwa anarushia viongozi wa upinzani, sasa ametoka kwa matusi, ameenda kwa vitisho. Na ameanza kutoa vitisho kwa viongozi wa upinzani.”

He added:

“Sisi tunataka tuambie Bwana Ruto, ya kwamba matusi tumesema sisi hatuna haja na matusi yako. Lakini vitisho hatutakubali uanze kutoa vitisho to the People’s Loyal Opposition. Na sisi hatukuogopi Bwana Ruto.”

Elders criticise Ruto’s insults

Wamalwa’s remarks follow President Ruto’s tour of the Western region, where he made demeaning comments aimed at the DAP-K leader and other opposition leaders. The Bukusu Council of Elders has condemned the president’s statements, calling them disrespectful and harmful to political unity.

The council criticised the president for focusing on insults rather than addressing pressing regional issues. They pointed to delays in local projects, including the completion of the Misikhu-Naitiri road and the Musikoma-Mungatsi-Lurambi road, which were promised years ago but remain unfinished.

President Ruto has defended his public attacks on opposition leaders. Speaking in Kisumu on March 20, Ruto said he would no longer stay silent when he felt insulted.

“Wale nitawashughulikia. Unajua hawa wamenitukana for two years mfululizo. Juzi nimewajibu tu siku moja, na hata si kuwajibu, niliwaambia tu tabia yenu si nzuri, kaeni vizuri,” Ruto said.

He added that his criticism aimed to correct behaviour, not to insult, including urging opposition leaders to be disciplined.

“I didn’t use any insulting language – they are the ones insulting me. I tried to tell them, ‘Let’s compete through policies, through vision,’” he said.