The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana is emphasizing the need for President William Ruto to adopt his role as the nation’s guardian and father figure. In his statement on Thursday, Kibwana remarked that during the electoral campaigns, Kenyans perceived Ruto as a paternal figure, but this perception has not been consistent.
Kibwana alleged that many of the President’s actions and statements since taking office have contradicted his promises, prompting questions about his role as a father figure. According to the former governor, Ruto, at the age of 57, needs to recognize his position as a father figure for Kenya, understanding the country’s dependence on his leadership.
“When Ruto was campaigning, we saw a father figure – someone responsible for everyone’s welfare. However, when his actions conflict with his promises, people question whether he still embodies that fatherly role. It’s crucial for him to realize, at 57, he is a father figure for a country that relies on him positively,” Kibwana expressed on Spice FM.
Kibwana pointed out the historical importance of having father or mother figures in leadership, citing past Presidents such as Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel Moi, and Mwai Kibaki, who provided distinct fatherly roles for the nation.
“Countries need a father or mother figure. At the start of independence, Kenyatta played that role. Moi emerged as a father figure before the coup. Kibaki consistently embodied a father figure, offering a sense of security despite his reserved nature. Many decisions made were those of a father figure,” Kibwana noted.
He also acknowledged the different leadership style of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, whom he described as a friend to the youth, adopting a more informal and approachable persona.
“Uhuru was like a friend to the young people, akin to an uncle. He could engage in dancing and festivities with them, creating a different type of political image,” Kibwana remarked.
In reference to Ruto’s campaign promises to alleviate the cost of living by reducing taxes and fuel prices, Kibwana highlighted the disparity between those assurances and the current state of increased taxes and high costs of fuel and food. The Kenya Kwanza administration attributes these challenges to the condition they inherited from the previous administration.
