Karanja Kibicho hits out at Ruto for terming the opposition as agenda-less
By Mabonga Makhanu, February 8, 2026Former Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho has criticised President William Ruto for repeatedly claiming that the united opposition lacks an agenda.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms on Sunday, February 8, 2026, Kibicho challenged the notion that the opposition has no vision simply because it has not delivered roads, dams, houses, hospitals, or social programmes.
He argued that this perception overlooks the reality of political roles in Kenya.
“Lately, we are told the opposition is agenda-less and hawana akili because they have not built roads, dams, houses, hospitals, or rolled out social programmes. On the surface, it sounds convincing. But ukiweka akili kidogo, things change,” Kibicho stated.
Kibicho highlighted that the opposition does not control the budget, award tenders, manage ministries, or implement government programmes — responsibilities that rest entirely with the ruling administration.
“Opposition does not control the budget. It does not award tenders. It does not run ministries or implement government programmes. Hiyo kazi ni ya serikali. You don’t give someone no tools, then blame them for not building a house,” he added.
Opposition’s role
He noted that expecting the opposition to deliver development under such circumstances is unrealistic, comparable to asking a referee to build the stadium, sell tickets, and officiate the match, or questioning matatu passengers about why the vehicle has not been serviced.
According to Kibicho, the opposition’s work is slower and less visible but no less critical. Its role is to hold the government accountable by asking tough questions: Why are certain projects overpriced? Why do some initiatives stall? Why are the same contractors repeatedly hired? Why do promising social programmes fail shortly after launch?
He concluded that while the government builds, the opposition ensures oversight, safeguarding public resources so that citizens ultimately benefit.
Kibicho resurfaces
Kibicho, who had maintained a low profile since Azimio’s loss in 2022, was spotted sharing a light moment with top leaders of the United Opposition led by Gachagua, a person he was at loggerheads with in the run-up to the 2022 General Election.
At the time, the former deputy president accused him of being behind the surge in drug abuse that had affected the Mount Kenya region, an issue Gachagua took as his first assignment upon assuming office, and using state machinery against those who were opposed to the Azimio coalition.
From his recent political activities, Kibicho seems to be making a return and resurfacing since the Azimio la Umoja’s Waterloo in 2022.