Why does the President seem so angry?
That is the question gaining traction after a series of increasingly personal attacks on Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and former President Uhuru Kenyatta as political temperatures rise ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In recent days, Ruto has used public rallies to ridicule opponents, question their intelligence and cast doubt on their political credibility.
His critics say the language is beneath the presidency.
Ruto insists he is simply calling his opponents what they are.
In Trans Nzoia, the President mocked Sifuna in a lengthy attack that quickly shifted from politics to the senator’s personal conduct.
“I saw another one called Mr. Empty launching a political party called the Empty party. From there he went straight to the bar and the last time we saw him with Koffi Olomide and a table full of alcohol called Johnny Walker or is it Jack Natembeya,” Ruto said.
It was not the first time he had gone after the Nairobi senator.
In Elgeyo Marakwet, Ruto responded to Sifuna’s criticism of the affordable housing programme by questioning his intelligence.
Sifuna had complained about the Sh24,000 he said was being deducted from his salary every month, describing the programme as a scam.
Ruto fired back.
“My friend, look for a brain. I am telling you people those people have no brains,” he told a cheering crowd.
The attacks have reignited debate over the tone of political discourse coming from State House.
Opposition leaders and governance experts argue that a sitting President should confront criticism through policy, performance and facts rather than personal insults.
Ruto has shown little sign of backing down.
On Monday, he shifted his attention to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing his predecessor of dishonesty and reviving a political feud that has repeatedly resurfaced since the collapse of their alliance.
Ruto served as Uhuru’s deputy for 10 years before their relationship broke down in their second term.
By the 2022 election, Uhuru had turned against Ruto and backed Raila Odinga for the presidency.
But some opposition leaders are now questioning whether the renewed hostility is as straightforward as it appears.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi argues that the political links between the two camps remain difficult to ignore.
He cited Mutahi Kagwe, Lee Kinyanjui and William Kabogo, figures associated with Uhuru who now serve in Ruto’s administration.
“You should not go into the trap of believing the insult of Ruto to Uhuru Kenyatta,” Amisi said.
“Remember this is the same person who gave him power, remember this is the same minister who appointed three cabinet ministers to his government.”
The timing of Ruto’s sharper rhetoric is also attracting attention.
Political activity is intensifying as the 2027 race takes shape, with the President stepping up countrywide tours to defend his record and attack opponents.
The opposition has similarly intensified criticism over taxation, the cost of living, governance and the implementation of government programmes.
What was already a heated political contest is now becoming more personal.
Critics warn that the tone set by the presidency matters because presidential language carries more weight than ordinary campaign rhetoric.
Supporters see it differently.
To them, Ruto is simply fighting back against opponents who attack him daily and is using the same combative political style that has defined much of his career.
Either way, one thing is becoming clear.
As the road to 2027 gets busier, policy battles are increasingly being accompanied by personal ones.
And if the current exchanges are any indication, the question “Why is the President angry?” may become a recurring one in Kenya’s next political season.
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