Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has launched a strong political statement calling on leaders from the Kalenjin community to rise and firmly defend President William Ruto against what he described as increasing political hostility, humiliation, and sustained attacks from sections of the political class.

Speaking on behalf of the Center for Human Rights and Democracy in Eldoret, Ngetich accused elected leaders from the Rift Valley region of remaining silent and ineffective while the President continues to face criticism and political opposition from some leaders, particularly from the Mt. Kenya region.

According to Ngetich, the silence and reluctance of Kalenjin political leaders to aggressively defend President Ruto has emboldened his critics and exposed him to ridicule despite the President’s efforts to unite and develop the country.

“The kind of hatred, humiliation, and political attacks directed at President Ruto are unacceptable,” said Ngetich. “It is unfortunate that some leaders from the President’s own community have chosen silence and cowardice instead of standing firm to defend the government and the office of the President.”

Ngetich singled out former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies, accusing them of allegedly undermining President Ruto’s administration through repeated criticism and public attacks. He claimed that the opposition has taken advantage of weak responses from Rift Valley leaders, allowing anti-government narratives to spread unchecked.

“We cannot continue watching leaders insult and abuse the President while our MPs, senators, governors, and MCAs remain quiet and lukewarm,” he stated. “The President cannot fight this political war alone. He requires courageous foot soldiers and leaders willing to defend the government boldly.”

The activist further argued that the Kalenjin community had historically stood firmly behind political allies, citing the late President Daniel arap Moi’s era when influential leaders such as the late Nicholas Biwott, Taita Towett, William Murgor, and Kipng’eno arap Ngeny played significant roles in protecting and strengthening Moi’s leadership.

“History has shown us that strong leadership survives because of loyal and courageous defenders,” Ngetich said. “President Moi had leaders who stood with him fearlessly. Today, President Ruto also deserves leaders who can defend him and his development agenda without fear.”

Ngetich expressed disappointment that despite President Ruto’s political support for former President Uhuru Kenyatta during highly contested elections, some leaders from Central Kenya are now allegedly turning against him.

“It is hypocrisy of the highest order,” he claimed. “President Ruto mobilized and led the Kalenjin community in supporting Uhuru Kenyatta during difficult political moments, but today some leaders from the same region are frustrating and attacking his administration.”

He said the ongoing political tensions should serve as a wake-up call to the Kalenjin community to rethink the quality of leaders it elects into office.

“The time has come for a serious clean-up of the kind of leaders we currently have in elective positions,” he said. “We need leaders who can defend the interests of the government and the dignity of the President.”

Ngetich also called for stronger grassroots political mobilization through ruling party structures and branches across the country. According to him, weak party structures have contributed to the inability of government supporters to effectively respond to political attacks.

“The ruling party must establish strong branches with bold leadership capable of defending the administration,” he said. “At the moment, many party officials appear dormant despite the serious political environment facing the country.”

He warned that continued attacks against President Ruto and the Kalenjin community could deepen political divisions if left unchecked.

“Silence should not be mistaken for weakness,” Ngetich cautioned. “There comes a time when people must say enough is enough. President Ruto is a human being, a father, and a leader elected by Kenyans. He deserves respect like any other leader.”

The activist concluded by urging the Kalenjin community to prepare for what he termed a “political revolution” aimed at producing bold leaders who will strongly defend the President, the government, and the interests of the region.

His remarks are expected to spark debate within Kenya’s political circles as tensions continue to emerge between different political factions within the ruling alliance ahead of future political realignments.