Omtatah faults Ruto's ethnic framing claims
National
By
Okumu Modachi and Clare Ochieng
| Jul 12, 2025
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has dismissed President William Ruto’s recent claims that his administration is being targeted by a specific community, describing the remarks as unbecoming of a Head of State.
President Ruto had claimed that persistent criticism of his government is ethnically motivated, contrasting his treatment with that of his predecessors, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, whom he said were not subjected to similar “cruel treatment.”
Speaking at a press conference in his Nairobi office yesterday, Omtatah said the fury against President Ruto is emanating from the challenges facing Kenyans including economic hardship, corruption, and unemployment-- national issues that require unified solutions, not toxic tribal scapegoating.
“He cannot say Uhuru was never challenged. We challenged him. I personally challenged him so many times. In fact, during a judicial function, he condemned me publicly—though without naming me—for securing too many court orders against his administration.”
READ MORE
Victory for customers as court blocks Safaricom's Bonga points expiry plan
Kenya's exports brace for Sh13b blow as Trump tariffs resume
Tourism players oppose plans to hike park entry fees
Notes from Osaka: What Japan teaches Kenya
Global experts convene in Nairobi for Clean-Air Forum 2025
The worst of Trump's tariffs on trade has passed, says report
Metropol, KBA to boost women led businesses
TECNO to launch SPARK 40 series as first smartphone powered by Helio G200 chipset
Unlocking Africa's potential: The promise of blended finance
Omtatah said Ruto’s claims are a tactic to divert the public’s attention from important issues and an attempt to absolve himself from taking responsibility for his failures.
Appearing visibly agitated on Wednesday, President Ruto questioned why similar outrage had not been directed at Kibaki or Kenyatta.
“All this chaos—why wasn’t it directed at Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta? Why the contempt and arrogance?” he asked.
In apparent endorsement of the President’s remarks, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula called on Ruto’s ethnic community to stand behind him, framing them as his “last line of defence.”“It is upon you to be the first and last line of defence for our President. If someone tries to interfere with your rule, tell them to wait their turn,” Wetang’ula said during a Friday address.
But Senator Omtatah strongly rejected this ethnic framing.