Our leaders should stop insults, ugly exchanges

Whenever top national leaders, who are expected to set a good example for their people, throw caution to the wind and engage in unbecoming behaviour, especially in public, this is disgraceful. Unfortunately, it is happening all the time.

Whatever differences the leaders may have, be they political or personal, they should never be allowed to degenerate into the absurd, with these otherwise respectable people exchanging insults that not only cause embarrassment but may threaten peace and stability.

Some of the leaders have lately been engaging in disrespectful exchanges using vulgar language. They have not shied away from name-calling, body shaming and hurling insults at their known and supposed political opponents during public events such as funerals, political rallies and even religious services.

They are increasingly use unpalatable language beneath their real status.

President William Ruto and his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached after they fell out in 2024, have been engaging in an exchange of words, including some unbelievable expletives that one would never have expected to hear from such prominent individuals.

The President used his just-ended tour of the Western region, which was meant for the launch of development programmes, to unleash a blistering attack against his political rivals. He put aside his agenda script for the political exchanges, manifesting his increasing focus on those appearing to stand in his way as he seeks his second and final five-year term.

While critics accuse the President of misrule, he counters that it is an unfair assessment of his performance in just over three years at the helm of the nation. He says some of his opponents have been picking up on any small issues to discredit him.

Own tirade

He has, in response, therefore, launched his own tirade, accusing the opposition leaders of committing heinous crimes, including murder. He has, thus, sought to discredit his possible competitors in next year’s elections, describing them as idiots, fools, murderers, charlatans, conmen and fraudsters.

The President accused an opposition leader of impregnating a girl and killing her, another of being fat, and challenged him to exercise and cut some weight. He told yet another to build a home and get married. The man he named is actually married.

If the President really knows someone who killed a young woman, how come, as the holder of the highest office in the land, he has done nothing to ensure justice is done and seen to be done? Is he confirming that there is selective justice in which powerful or well-connected criminals go scot free?

The allegations by the President appear to confirm that some criminals are being shielded from justice because of the lofty positions they hold or their connections. The criminal conduct and apparent cover-ups of such blatant crimes can only erode the rule of law that this country is believed to cherish and uphold.

As the elections scheduled for August next year approach, more such disturbing allegations are likely to be unleashed in campaign rallies and in other forums, but thanks to social media, their exchanges will certainly be captured and circulated for the people to know what is really going on around them.

Engage in insults

There is significant public concern as the leaders engage in insults, name-calling and physical confrontations. This behaviour is a violation of the expected standards of decorum and can undermine public trust and destabilise democratic institutions. The leaders must not undermine the sanctity of the offices they hold and hamper the fair and transparent execution of their mandates for the people’s benefit.

Leaders are expected to set a good example by exhibiting integrity, accountability and a commitment to public service over personal gain. Toxic leadership undermines the work environment, hampering the well-being of citizens. Politicians driven by ego and a sense of entitlement end up disregarding public opinion and ethical standards to maintain power.

Leaders should always exercise restraint and compete on ideas and not in this bottom-of-the-barrel slugfest that casts doubts on integrity and doesn’t inspire hope. If crimes have been committed, they must be investigated and prosecuted. Any cover-ups for convenience are equally offensive. The empty rhetoric is only fuelling tensions and distracting the country from tackling the real issues, including severe economic challenges.

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