Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has launched a sharp criticism of the ruling party's leadership, accusing Secretary General Hassan Omar of failing to mobilize grassroots party structures to defend President William Ruto and government policies amid increasing political pressure and criticism from opposition leaders.

In a strongly worded statement issued in Eldoret, Ngetich expressed concern over what he termed as a growing disconnect between the party's national leadership and its regional and local branches, warning that the continued inactivity of party officials across the country could undermine the government's ability to effectively communicate its development agenda to Kenyans.

According to the activist, many branch officials of the ruling party remain invisible and unheard despite occupying strategic positions meant to champion government programs, engage citizens, and counter what he described as persistent political attacks directed at the President and his administration.

"We cannot continue having a ruling party whose branch leaders are unknown to the public and whose voices are completely absent when the party and government need them the most," said Ngetich. "At a time when government policies are under constant scrutiny and the President is facing sustained criticism from political opponents, party structures should be fully active and visible across the country."

Ngetich argued that the Office of the Secretary General is one of the most powerful and influential positions within any political party and carries the responsibility of ensuring that all party organs function efficiently.

He said the current political environment demands a proactive and energetic leadership capable of coordinating branch offices, mobilizing supporters, and providing timely responses to political developments affecting the party and the government.

"The Secretary General is the chief administrative and operational officer of a political party. The office is not ceremonial. It exists to ensure that the party machinery remains active from the national headquarters to the grassroots level," he said.

The activist faulted what he described as a lack of urgency in activating local party offices, saying many branches appear dormant despite receiving recognition and support from the party leadership.

He noted that a strong ruling party requires a vibrant grassroots network capable of defending government achievements, engaging citizens on policy matters, and providing feedback from the public to national leaders.

Ngetich further observed that history has repeatedly demonstrated the importance of strong party structures in sustaining political stability and maintaining public confidence in government.

Drawing comparisons with the former ruling party KANU, he said the party's long dominance in Kenyan politics was largely anchored on active branch officials who remained engaged with wananchi at all levels.

"One of the reasons KANU remained influential for many years was because its branch officials were active, visible, and constantly engaging the public. They served as the party's eyes, ears, and voice in every corner of the country," he said.

He argued that the ruling party risks losing touch with ordinary citizens if local branches continue operating below expectations.

According to Ngetich, the silence from party officials has created a vacuum that has allowed government critics to dominate public discourse and shape political narratives without sufficient response from the ruling party.

"The President has been left exposed to continuous political attacks while many party officials remain silent. This should not be happening in a party that is fully established and adequately funded," he stated.

Ngetich maintained that defending government policies does not necessarily mean engaging in political confrontation, but rather ensuring that citizens receive accurate information about development projects, economic reforms, and government programs being implemented across the country.

He challenged Hassan Omar to embark on an aggressive nationwide mobilization campaign aimed at revitalizing branch offices and strengthening party structures at all levels.

"The Secretary General should immediately begin visiting branch offices across the country to assess their operations, address their challenges, and ensure they are functioning effectively. The time for complacency is over," he said.

The activist further argued that strong political parties contribute significantly to national stability by providing structured channels through which government policies can be communicated and public concerns addressed.

He warned that prolonged inactivity within party structures could weaken internal cohesion and affect the party's ability to respond effectively to emerging political issues.

"It is unfortunate to have a fully funded office of the Secretary General that appears disconnected from the realities on the ground. The party leadership must demonstrate responsiveness and readiness to address critical political developments as they arise," Ngetich added.

He emphasized that the office of the Secretary General carries immense responsibility not only for maintaining party unity but also for developing strategies that protect the party's image and strengthen public confidence in government programs.

As political temperatures continue to rise across the country, Ngetich called on ruling party officials at all levels to become more visible and actively engage wananchi on matters of governance, development, and national progress.

"The ruling party must find its voice. Branch officials must rise to the occasion and defend the policies they believe in. Silence at a time like this sends the wrong message to supporters and the public," he said.

His remarks come at a time when political competition continues to intensify, with leaders from different camps increasingly engaging in public debates over the government's performance, economic policies, and development agenda.

Ngetich concluded by insisting that the ruling party's future strength will depend largely on the effectiveness of its grassroots structures and the willingness of its leaders to engage citizens directly.

"The party leader deserves a strong and functional organization behind him. The time has come for party branches to be reactivated and for the Secretary General to demonstrate the leadership expected of his office," he said.