DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa has criticised President William Ruto over his recent use of harsh language against opposition leaders, saying the conduct falls short of the dignity required of the presidency.

Wamalwa made the remarks on Saturday, November 15, 2025, during the ordination of Pastor Dorcas Rigathi in Wamunyoro, where he linked the President’s behaviour to the values expected in both religious and political leadership.

Wamalwa spoke shortly after Bishop ordained Pastor Dorcas and reminded her that she had been called to a high office that demands honour and dignity. He said the same standards should guide people who hold public office, including the Head of State.

“Bishop has said you have been called to a high office and that there is no greater calling. You must serve with honour and dignity,” Wamalwa told the congregation.

“I wish that could also apply to those of us who are in politics. When you are called to be the president of the Republic of Kenya, and you have that calling to the highest office in this land, some of us, all of us here, Kalonzo, Matiang’i, Riggy G Mwenyewe, we are aspiring to go to that office.”

“But if you are blessed to hold that office, just the way Reverend Dorcas has been told here today, to that high office, you must also hold that office with honour and dignity.”

“The kind of language we are hearing in Kenya today, kuita watu hawana akili kusema watu hawana agenda, that language is really unpresidential and not befitting of that office. Muombee viongozi wetu, so that we may honour that office and uphold our constitutional duties, and be God-fearing as the reverend who has been ordained today.“

Sharp criticism

His comments come after a series of combative statements made by President Ruto during recent public events. In his address at the Nairobi River clean-up in July, the President dismissed the opposition as “clueless tribal anarchists” and accused them of taking advantage of young people.

He said critics had no meaningful plans to tackle youth unemployment and accused them of organising youths to loot and destroy property during past protests.

The President has also repeatedly used harsh terms while campaigning in the Ukambani region. He described his opponents as “fools”, “brainless”, “wajinga”, and “wapumbavu”, remarks that attracted sharp criticism from Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti and several other leaders.

Wavinya said insulting Kalonzo Musyoka amounted to insulting the entire Kamba community, since he represents its political voice.

Wamalwa told the gathering in Wamunyoro that leaders must lead with respect, especially when entrusted with responsibilities that affect the whole country. He said the language heard in Kenya today does not reflect the dignity of the presidency and does not honour the constitutional duties of the office.