Leadership and Integrity Act: How far does it stretch?

President William Ruto addressing residents in Kakamega town on March 17, 2026. 

Kenyans on Tuesday witnessed a spectacle that drew widespread public attention after President William Ruto engaged in a war of words with opposition leaders.

Ruto responded to his critics in sharp remarks that followed comments by DCP leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who over the weekend body-shamed him over alleged weight loss.

The President’s response shifted from criticism of his opponents’ development track record to personal attacks during a public address in Western Kenya.

The tour, framed as a development-focused campaign to solidify his political foothold in a historically opposition-leaning region, shifted to curt exchanges directed at what he described as "brainless opposition".

He made remarks about one leader’s eating habits and weight, and accused another of “impregnating” young girls and disinheriting his late brother.

“You cold-blooded thief stealing from your own brother.”

The presidency, under Article 131 of the constitution, is defined as an office that symbolises national unity and is expected to promote cohesion, national values, and respect for diversity.

The Leadership and Integrity Act sets out standards on professionalism and conduct for state officers. Article 75(1), which addresses the conduct of state officers, particularly states that they must behave in a manner that does not demean the office they hold.

The law also requires leaders to treat members of the public and other public officers with courtesy and respect.

“A state officer shall carry out duties of the office in a manner that maintains public confidence in the integrity of the office,” the Act states.

“A state officer shall not bully any person. Bullying includes repeated offensive behaviour which is vindictive, cruel, malicious or humiliating and is intended to undermine a person,” it adds.

According to Article 260 of the constitution, the President holds a state office. While all state officers are public officers, the President is classified within the higher-tier category.

Pursuant to Article 80(c) of the constitution, the provisions of Chapter Six and the Leadership and Integrity Act apply to all public officers as if they were state officers.

While Chapter Six primarily focuses on state and public officers, it also places responsibility on individuals to uphold its principles to the extent applicable.

On this basis, Gachagua, a former Deputy President, is also subject to the broader expectations of conduct set out in law, including the obligation not to undermine the integrity of public institutions such as the presidency.

The exchange between the two former political allies sparked debate online and drew reactions from opposition leaders, some of whom called for more measured public statements.

“Leaders who are at the apex of leadership of this country, what example are they trying to show those who are coming after them?” asked Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

He said leaders should conduct themselves in a manner that protects their integrity and the image of the offices they hold.

“As young leaders, we want to condemn the conduct unbecoming of leaders. The moment you get annoyed, what decisions will you make?”

Babu spoke at a press conference Wednesday addressed by leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Earlier on Tuesday, Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa said he would not respond to insults directed at him, describing the President’s remarks as unpresidential.

“Michelle Obama once said, ‘when they go low, we go high’," he said, before directly addressing the President. "The insults against Eugene Wamalwa were quite unpresidential. I respect you and I have never insulted you.”

Jubilee presidential candidate Fred Matiang’i said public discourse should focus on addressing national challenges rather than personal exchanges between leaders on food portions they should eat.