Kalonzo claims Ruto focusing on him instead of rising fuel costs
By Kenneth Mwenda, May 17, 2026Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has accused President William Ruto of shifting attention away from the rising cost of fuel and focusing instead on personal attacks against him.
In a post on his X account, Kalonzo criticised the president over what he called “rooftop rants” instead of addressing the economic pressure facing Kenyans.
“Mr Ruto, instead of addressing the skyrocketing cost of fuel that is crippling ordinary Kenyans, you choose to make me, Kalonzo Musyoka, the subject of your rooftop rants? That speaks volumes,” he wrote.
He added that Kenyans expect leadership focused on solutions, not political distractions.
“Kenyans are watching, and they deserve a leader focused on a clear direction, not deflection,” he said.
Kalonzo also concluded his post with a strong political remark, saying, “Make no mistake, wewe ni WANTAM!”
Succession debate intensifies tensions
The remarks came shortly after Kalonzo addressed supporters at Ruai Bypass, where he also repeated his criticism of the government’s handling of fuel prices and constitutional authority.
He said the president had no authority to decide succession politics, arguing that power belongs to the people.
“Ruto jana alisema ati yeye hawezi kukubali kiongozi yeyote hachukue mamlaka. Kwani yeye ndio Kenya?” Kalonzo said.
He added that the Constitution only allows Kenyans to decide leadership.
“Mamlaka aliyo nayo amepewa na wananchi wa Kenya. Na wananchi wa Kenya ndio watamtoa,” he said.
Kalonzo also insisted that political power is temporary and subject to the will of voters.
“Tunajua Ruto ana mipango; wacha niwaelezee. Ako na mipango tukimshinda, akatalie ikulu,” he said.
He warned against what he called attempts to personalise state authority.
“Wacha kujiwekea mamlaka ambayo kikatiba hauna. You have no business determining who the next leader will be,” he said.
Kalonzo maintained that only Kenyans have the constitutional right to choose their leaders, adding that no individual can control that process.
The remarks came amid growing opposition criticism over the cost of living, with leaders accusing the government of failing to ease fuel prices despite policy changes in the importation system.
Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo said the opposition’s main strategy remains the ballot, while former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi accused the government of ignoring economic and governance concerns.
“The only weapon we have against the Kenya Kwanza administration is the voter’s card… We need to be united,” Maanzo said.
Muturi also said the opposition would field a single candidate in 2027, warning against interference in electoral systems and calling for transparency in election technology.
As political tensions rise, Kalonzo’s remarks signal an increasingly direct exchange between opposition leaders and the presidency over both economic pressure and leadership legitimacy.