Farouk Kibet (center) with other leaders during an event on September 1, 2025/FILE Kibet sought to remind critics that Ruto is a leader for all Kenyans.
He took a swipe at those accusing the President of allegedly sidelining Rift Valley delegations, saying Ruto is not tribal as alleged.
“Rais si mkabila vile nyinyi ni wakabila. Wengine wanasema eti Rais hajapeleka Wakalenjin State House," he remarked.
"Zamani State House ilikuwa ya familia na watu wachache, lakini Rais amesema sasa ni ya Wakenya wote."
Speaking during an event in South Mugirango, Kibet urged the particular critics to stop grumbling whenever other groups take delegations to meet the President.
Hosted by National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro, Kibet challenged them, saying, “When President Uhuru Kenyatta was in power, they never took their people to State House. So why complain now when Osoro brings the Kisii community there?”
His response came after Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba questioned why delegations from the Rift Valley were allegedly not being invited to State House.
“Let me speak for my brothers and sisters from Liftivaalley. I am yet to see a dine and dance delegation in State House, which is supposed to be a house on the hill for all of us...?” she posted on X.
Her concerns echoed those of Nyandarua Senator John Methu, who recently faulted President Ruto for launching multiple projects in Homa Bay, a region he said largely voted against him in the 2022 General Election.
“Did those people in Homa Bay vote for Ruto? When we see him commissioning projects there while Mt. Kenya waits, should we not feel shortchanged?” Methu posed.
President Ruto, however, has defended his approach, saying inclusivity and national unity guide his leadership.
Hosting a group of bodaboda national officials at State House on August 7, the President said the era when the seat of power was reserved only for political elites is over.
“Unajua hapa State House, zamani waliokuwa wanakuja ni wale wadosi tu, cabinet secretaries, ambassadors, governors. Today, even ordinary citizens like bodaboda riders can come,” Ruto said.
The President emphasised that opening the gates of State House to all Kenyans is symbolic of the inclusive nation he envisions.
“We want a country that is united, and that begins by ensuring every citizen, from every walk of life, feels like they belong, even at State House,” he said.
