‘Bread-based, not broad-based’: Kalonzo takes aim at Ruto’s cabinet

Speaking during a thanksgiving event for Catherine Kyee, a Wiper-nominated MCA in Machakos County, Kalonzo accused the President of presiding over a dysfunctional government driven by self-interest.

“President Ruto is leading a dysfunctional administration,” Kalonzo said. “Leaders who cannot be trusted have made pacts with him at the expense of ordinary citizens.”

He argued that accepting political compromises in exchange for a few Cabinet positions for his allies would betray the nation. “If I were to make a pact with the President to secure Cabinet slots for my Kamba allies, I would have sold the soul of this country,” Kalonzo remarked.

Kalonzo dismissed claims that the reshuffle was broad-based, instead labeling it as “bread-based,” accusing politicians of prioritizing personal gains over the welfare of Kenyans.

 “It’s not broad-based, but bread-based, even blood-based, considering some children lost their lives during protests. This is like dancing on the blood of these children,” he said.

He further criticized the government for failing to improve service delivery and accused it of instituting excessive taxation, leaving citizens overburdened. 

“Gen Z cut down the tree on June 25, Zakayo came down, but taxes are still high. What they’re doing is patchwork governance,” Kalonzo stated.

The Wiper leader also took a swipe at the President's leadership, likening him to someone carrying a skunk. “If you get close to him, you’ll smell of the skunk,” he said, in a thinly veiled attack on corruption within the administration.

Kalonzo issued a stern ultimatum to the government, demanding the immediate establishment of a panel to select new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners.

“We demand the immediate formation of the panel to pick the commissioners,” Kalonzo said. “If this is not done by the end of March, we will organize demonstrations.”

He warned that the protests would be intense, saying, “Let them know, the demonstrations coming will leave no one standing.”

Kalonzo’s fiery remarks reflect growing opposition dissatisfaction with the Ruto administration and underline his call for accountability and leadership rooted in the interests of Kenyans.