President William Ruto and the opposition have been urged to shift focus from verbal exchanges, amid concerns that the growing back-and-forth could sideline urgent national priorities.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu said while the President framed his responses as direct provocation by opposition figures, such exchanges should not overshadow service delivery.
“Leaders are trading barbs among themselves, but what matters is the agenda for the people. Are they addressing the issues for the people?” Nyutu posed.
Nyutu warned that citizens risk being sidelined as escalating clashes could distract leaders from critical issues affecting Kenyans.
“They have pain points that need urgent attention,” he said, emphasising that Kenyans expect leaders to act on commitments rather than engage in political theatrics.
Speaking on Citizen TV on Thursday morning, Nyutu said those in government bear a greater responsibility to ensure policies and programmes that directly benefit citizens are not derailed.
He cited the cost of living, timely disbursement of funds to essential sectors, and sustainable economic policies as key priorities for households and businesses.
“Economic challenges, sector support and citizen welfare have been raised repeatedly but remain unresolved,” Nyutu said.
He argued that Kenyans are increasingly focused on tangible solutions rather than political contestation, and called for a reset in public engagement that centres on service delivery.
“The people are watching, and they expect solutions, not endless exchanges,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Ruto said he will utilise one per cent of his time to respond to his critics in the opposition and the rest to drive his development agenda.
“We are just getting started. I have decided that I will be using one per cent of my time to deal with my opponents until they understand. Ninety-nine per cent of my time will be used on matters of development, including building railways, roads, agriculture and education, but one per cent is enough to deal with them,” Ruto said during an Eid-ul-Fitr luncheon at State Lodge, Kisumu, and a groundbreaking ceremony in Busia on March 18.
Nyutu said political differences are inevitable in democratic systems but should not overshadow leadership responsibilities.
He pointed to the need for careful time management in governance, without shifting focus from programme implementation, to ensure “government programmes translate into real benefits for citizens.”
