President William Ruto has criticised long-serving politicians, singling out opposition leaders in remarks that appeared to target Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka over their role in government and their support for the June 25 Gen Z commemorations.

Speaking on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Burieruri Boys High School in Igembe South, Meru County, during the school’s 60th anniversary thanksgiving service, Ruto said some leaders had been in government for decades but had little to show for their time in office.

“Ninyi mnajua hakuna watu wamekuwa viongozi katika hii Kenya miaka hamsini. They have nothing to show for it. Ni kurandaranda tu, uzurura, nothing. wamekuwa waziri hapa, waziri pale, waziri sijui wapi,” Ruto said.

He added that such leaders were celebrating national disruptions instead of focusing on productivity. This was a clear reference to opposition figures who backed the June 25 Gen Z commemorations, where some Kenyans stayed away from work in remembrance of victims of past protests.

“Juzi, nawaona ati wanafurahi sana kwa sababu ati Wakenya hawakuenda kazini. Yaani Wakenya walipoteza muda,” he said. “They are celebrating when people don’t go to work because they have never worked in any place.”

Rejects political empty talk

Ruto argued that Kenya needed leaders with clear programmes rather than what he described as political noise.

“You know, people who have no plan, no agenda, no programme, nothing. Wanazungusha tu maneno hapa ya bure,” he said. “Wanafikiri kelele ndio Wakenya watapigia kura.”

He also dismissed recent political slogans and personal attacks, including references to the nickname “Kasongo” that has been used by critics in political messaging against him.

“Even with the big job they have done, ati nitafutie mimi jina ati Kasongo. Hawa watu ni mafala sana,” Ruto said.

The president urged residents of Meru to support his administration’s development agenda, pointing to investments in education infrastructure announced during the visit. He pledged Ksh110 million for projects at the school, including new classrooms and a multi-purpose hall.

“Mimi nataka niwaulize ninyi watu wa Meru, tunatembea pamoja kwa hii safari ama muko na mpango mwingine?” he asked. The crowd responded in support of his call for unity.

The remarks come against the backdrop of rising political tension over the June 25 commemorations, which opposition leaders such as Kalonzo Musyoka have defended as a day of reflection and protest against state violence. Kalonzo has been among those calling for the date to be recognised officially in honour of the victims of the Gen Z protests.