Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i has taken a veiled swipe at President William Ruto, urging him to adopt what he described as “global standards of leadership communication” and avoid using insults against political opponents after attending high-level international engagements.

Speaking on Sunday, June 21, 2026, during a church service and public event in Dagoretti South, Nairobi County, Matiang’i appeared to respond to recent remarks by the Head of State in which he was seen to have used strong language against leaders in the United Opposition.

In his remarks, Matiang’i contrasted the tone used in international diplomatic forums with what he described as increasingly hostile political rhetoric back home.

“Na KJ, kwasababu wewe uko chama moja na Rais, mwambie kuna lugha ambayo tunataka hata akienda kwa G7, ametoka pale amekutana na wale marais wengine wa ulimwengu, aongee kama wao,” Matiang’i said.

He argued that leaders who engage with global forums such as G7 meetings are expected to demonstrate restraint and diplomacy in their communication style.

“Kuna lugha marais wanaongea. Sio ile anaongea akifika hapa,” he added.

Matiang’i criticised what he termed a pattern where leaders return from international engagements only to engage in politically charged attacks on opponents.

“Huwezi kurudi kutoka G7, ukifika hapa unatusi Gachagua, unatusi mimi, unatusi Kalonzo. Hiyo sio lugha ya G7. Hiyo ni lugha ya huku,” he said.

The Jubilee deputy party leader suggested that such rhetoric was inconsistent with the image of statesmanship associated with global leadership platforms.

“Saa hii anafaa akae na ya huko, mambo mazuri yenye aliona huko,” he added, implying that leaders should adopt more constructive political discourse rather than divisive language.

Political tensions

Matiang’i’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions between the Kenya Kwanza administration and opposition-aligned leaders, with growing exchanges over governance, economic policy, and political alignments ahead of the 2027 general election.

The former Interior Cabinet Secretary has increasingly positioned himself as a key voice within the opposition, frequently criticising government conduct while also seeking to rebuild Jubilee’s political presence in key regions, including Nairobi.

President Ruto has in recent weeks maintained an assertive political stance in public engagements, often defending his administration’s record while sharply criticising opposition figures, a style that continues to draw both support and criticism across the political spectrum.