Stop Beating Your Chest and Listen to the Cry of Kenyans, Zipporah Kittony Tells Ruto

Retired politician and defender of women's rights Zipporah Kittony has warned President William Ruto against his "chest-thumping leadership style" while disregarding the grievances of Kenyans in line with the soaring cost of living.

The 80-year-old former chairperson for Maendeleo ya Wanawake who served during the Moi era insists that Kenya is in a pitiful state and requires an extensive conversation about its future. Ms Kittony emphasizes that the Kenya Kwanza administration should be attentive to the complaints of Kenya and take action on matters that will upgrade the everyday lives of citizens.

As she turns 80, the senior citizen lamented the current leaders, whom she characterized as egotistical and divided along tribal lines. The Moi-era trailblazer voiced her apprehension that the nation was losing ground in terms of democracy and responsible governance, citing recent political occurrences as a worrisome direction taken by the administration in handling matters. She implored President Ruto to reach out to opposition forces to tackle the challenges Kenyans face and secure a balanced economic and political environment.

"I am blessed to have seen five presidents since Kenya's independence and the struggles we went through to become Africa's admired democracy. But looking at the current trend, I feel sorry for our children and future generations," she said.

The former senator also asked Dr Ruto to acknowledge that the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance garnered a considerable amount of votes in the last General Election and therefore should not strangle criticism coming from the Azimio's wing. She further defended ex-President Uhuru Kenyatta's actions in current politics, declaring that he is entitled to express his thoughts on leading the nation. In her book 'Sheer Grit Kittony', the retired politician expressed her wish for leadership based on morals and responsibility.

"Women leaders should not be afraid of intimidation. This should be their motivation to bring about change and make society a better place for future generations," she affirmed.