President Ruto Confronts Critics with Fiery Remarks Over Livestock Vaccination Rollout
President William Ruto has aggressively defended his government’s plan to roll out a nationwide livestock vaccination programme, targeting 22 million cattle starting January next year. Speaking at the 4th Pastoralist Leadership Summit in Wajir County, Ruto strongly criticized those opposing the plan, calling them “stupid,” “mad,” and “possessed by evil spirits.”
The President’s fiery rhetoric highlights a growing trend of blunt and confrontational language, a departure from traditionally measured presidential discourse. He openly questioned the logic of opposition to vaccinations meant to eliminate Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) from the livestock sector. Ruto dismissed critics’ concerns, saying, “Anybody opposing vaccination to eliminate FMD and PPR is simply mad and unreasonable and possibly stupid.”
Opposition figures, notably Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, have strongly opposed the plan. Kalonzo argues that the vaccination programme is part of a foreign agenda that could damage local cattle breeds’ genetic structure. He vehemently called for resistance against the initiative, warning that the vaccines would endanger animals and the livelihoods of pastoralists.
This exchange underscores the ongoing tensions between President Ruto and critics who question his leadership approach and policies. Recently, his confrontational style was evident during discussions about the National Equipment Service Programme deal, where he called critics foolish. Ruto also likened opposition to projects like affordable housing and healthcare initiatives to being possessed by an “evil spirit,” saying, “Kuna pepo chafu ya kupinga kila kitu.”
President Ruto’s unfiltered language is now becoming a signature approach, challenging norms of political decorum. Critics argue that such language, while bold and unyielding, is unpresidential and undermines the dignity of leadership.
As debates around livestock vaccinations continue, it remains clear that President Ruto’s combative rhetoric signals a commitment to push through policies regardless of opposition. Whether his strategy will foster unity among pastoralists or drive deeper political divisions remains to be seen.
President Ruto Confronts Critics with Fiery Remarks Over Livestock Vaccination Rollout
