Kenya Kwanza leaders accuse Uhuru of funding Linda Mwananchi, escalate attack on Opposition

The leaders also dismissed calls for a one-term presidency, condemning the opposition rhetoric as divisive, and reaffirmed their support for President Ruto's re-election bid.

Speaking during an empowerment event for boda boda operators and residents of Taveta in Taita Taveta County, the leaders claimed that despite the recent tour of the region by the Linda Mwananchi movement, its activities were being funded by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in an attempt to discredit the Kenya Kwanza government. They insisted that the alleged efforts to destabilise the administration would not succeed.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot launched a scathing attack on the movement, accusing its members of being mobilised to tarnish President Ruto's image and advance calls for him to serve only one term.

"Wiki iliyopita wale wakora wa sijui Linda nini walikuwa hapa. Wacha niwaambie kama kuna drug dealers, washerati, extortionists, wezi na wakora ni ile kikundi ilikuwa hapa. Nawajua wote. Eti sasa wananunuliwa na yule jamaa mstaafu eti endeni mkamchafulie jina Rais na kutuambia eti one term..." said Cheruiyot.

President Ruto's aide Farouk Kibet urged residents of Taita Taveta to remain firmly behind the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying the county stood to benefit from continued government support. He also criticised those he accused of promoting division and discouraging investment and tourism in the country.

"Taveta iende mbele ama nyuma... Wale wenye wivu na fitina, wenye shares wote waende wasiende...? Wale ambao wanapinga watalii wasikuje hapa, waende wasiende? Farouk Kibet posed.

The leaders further turned their criticism on Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of making reckless and inflammatory remarks that threaten national cohesion and the country's economic interests.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula defended Kenya's tourism sector, condemning statements he said were intended to discourage visitors from travelling to the country.

"Utalii ndio nguzo ya uchumi wa hapa na inasikitisha kuskia mtu anasema eti watalii wasikuje Kenya... Mtu kama huyo tutakuja kuonana nayeye. Hatuwezi kubali mtu kuhujumu uchumi wa kenya," Wetang'ula said.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku also criticised Gachagua over remarks urging leaders and residents from the Mt Kenya region to abandon the government, saying such rhetoric was irresponsible and aimed at creating unnecessary divisions.

The leaders reiterated their commitment to supporting the President's second-term bid, insisting Kenyans would reject politics they described as rooted in hatred, division and misinformation.