Eat smaller portions of food, Ruto says as he sustains attacks on Matiang’i

President William Ruto has continued his sharp criticism of opposition leaders, particularly presidential hopeful Fred Matiang'i, as political temperatures rise ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking during an inspection tour of development projects in Busia county, the President took aim at Matiang’i over his “eating habits and physical fitness.”

“I have not claimed that you eat at my place, I have just asked you to reduce the portions,” Ruto said.

“And if you were eating at my place, I would have reduced the amounts you eat,."

The President urged opposition leaders to adopt healthier lifestyles, arguing that discipline in personal habits was necessary for effective leadership.

“They should reduce the portion and also exercise so that they do not sleep in rallies and meetings,” Ruto said. “They should reduce the weight and maybe then they will have an agenda and then come to face me in 2027. For now they do not have any agenda.”

The remarks come a day after the President launched a similar attack while addressing residents in Chwele, Bungoma county, where he appeared to respond to criticism from his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, who had previously commented on his physical appearance.

“Kwanza mimi nauliza wengine waende gym… Wacheni kula chakula mingi… Tumbo karibu inapasuka…” Ruto said in Swahili, in comments widely interpreted as targeting opposition figures.

He defended his own lifestyle, saying it reflects discipline and focus.

“I am intelligent enough to know when to cut weight so that I can concentrate on what I want to do. I am disciplined enough to know how much I should eat so that I can stay alert,” he said.

“You (opposition leaders) have eaten a lot to the extent you have become proud. Go look at yourself in the mirror and go to the gym. Look at your diet to avoid sleeping and misbehaving in public rallies.”

However, Matiang’i hit back at the President, calling for decorum and respect in public discourse, particularly from holders of high office.

Speaking in Narok county while meeting delegates from the Jubilee Party, Matiang’i said he was surprised by the President’s remarks, noting that he had deliberately refrained from engaging in personal attacks.

“First of all, I do not know why you are bothered by the way I eat because I do not eat at your wife’s house,” Matiang’i said.

“You have not seen me come to your house to ask for food from you or your wife.”

In a pointed response, the former Interior cabinet secretary added: “I only eat bananas from Kisii. We have so much respect for the leadership of this country and that is why I have not insulted you. You have not seen me ask you why you have lost a lot of weight.”