By Virginia Siebella.
Twenty civil society organizations have condemned President William Ruto for making profane public statements, describing his conduct as undermining the dignity of the highest office in the country.
The coalition, comprising civil society actors, faith groups, labour movements, and governance institutions, met in Lukenya, Athi River, and released a joint statement on Wednesday, warning that Kenya is at a critical crossroads.
Led by Dr. Kawive Wambua, Chief Executive Officer of Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi!, the groups cited shrinking civic space, threats to fundamental freedoms, state capture of constitutional commissions, rising economic hardship, and the erosion of democratic institutions as pressing national concerns.
The statement accused the President of employing divisive and vitriolic language against political leaders, arguing that such conduct “degrades the Presidency” and contravenes constitutional expectations. Sheila Masinde, representing Transparency International, referenced Articles 73 and 131 of the Constitution, emphasizing that presidential authority is a public trust that must be exercised with honour, dignity, and restraint.
“The conduct that continues to degrade the Presidency is appalling. Authority assigned to a State officer is a public trust. It must bring honour to the nation and dignity to the office,” the statement read.
The coalition stressed that the Presidency is not a personal platform for political attacks but a symbol of national unity. They called on President Ruto and all leaders to observe “political hygiene from the top” and exercise restraint in both speech and conduct.
Linking the tone set at the top to broader governance issues, the groups warned that inflammatory rhetoric risks deepening political divisions amid existing economic strain and public discontent. They also expressed concern over alleged abductions, intimidation of civic actors, and interference with democratic institutions, urging Parliament to assert its independence, the Judiciary to remain firm, and security agencies to uphold constitutional freedoms.
The organizations cautioned that Kenya stands at a defining moment, asserting that leadership from the highest office will determine whether the nation strengthens its democracy or slides further into institutional decline. They called on citizens, particularly the youth, to remain vigilant, register as voters, and hold leaders accountable ahead of the 2027 general elections.
