Kiamba, a first-time legislator and a close ally of Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, openly challenged the President over his repeated habit of dismissing opposition leaders as “bure kabisa” (useless).
The outspoken MP said she was tired of hearing the Head of State belittle the opposition and accuse them of having no agenda for Kenyans.
Standing before a large crowd, she told the President to stop using disrespectful language when referring to those who do not support his administration politically.
“Mr. President, please stop calling us bure kabisa. Every person, even those in opposition, was created in the image of God,” Kiamba said as the crowd cheered.
“Mr. President, please stop calling us bure kabisa. Every person, even those in opposition, was created in the image of God,” Kiamba said as the crowd cheered.
“No one created by God can be useless. Even a person who cannot speak has something valuable within them. We can disagree politically, but let us do so with respect.”
Her courageous statement was met with loud applause and cheers from the residents of Makueni who had gathered for the roadside rally.
Her courageous statement was met with loud applause and cheers from the residents of Makueni who had gathered for the roadside rally.
The MP’s words appeared to touch on a growing frustration among opposition members who have accused the Kenya Kwanza government of using divisive language against critics.
President Ruto, visibly taken aback but still smiling, quickly responded. He told Kiamba that it was not him personally who referred to opposition leaders as bure kabisa, but ordinary Kenyans who, in his view, had lost faith in them.
“My sister, it’s not me who says that the opposition is bure kabisa,” the President replied.
President Ruto, visibly taken aback but still smiling, quickly responded. He told Kiamba that it was not him personally who referred to opposition leaders as bure kabisa, but ordinary Kenyans who, in his view, had lost faith in them.
“It is Kenyans themselves who say it after realizing that the opposition has no agenda to help them.”
Despite the exchange, both leaders kept their composure, and the event continued peacefully. The encounter, however, drew attention across the political divide, with many observers saying it was rare for a Member of Parliament to challenge the President so directly during an official function.
Ruto’s Tour in Ukambani
The incident took place during President Ruto’s first day of a development tour in the Eastern region, where he launched several government projects, including road and water infrastructure programs.
He was received by Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior and Senator Dan Maanzo, both of whom are known allies of Kalonzo Musyoka.
Despite the exchange, both leaders kept their composure, and the event continued peacefully. The encounter, however, drew attention across the political divide, with many observers saying it was rare for a Member of Parliament to challenge the President so directly during an official function.
Ruto’s Tour in Ukambani
The incident took place during President Ruto’s first day of a development tour in the Eastern region, where he launched several government projects, including road and water infrastructure programs.
He was received by Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior and Senator Dan Maanzo, both of whom are known allies of Kalonzo Musyoka.
The two leaders had earlier been part of the Wiper delegation that visited Opoda Farm to pay tribute to the late Raila Odinga.
Their appearance alongside the President surprised many political analysts, considering that both have been openly critical of Ruto’s administration.
The visit is seen by some as part of the President’s ongoing strategy to reach out to regions that overwhelmingly voted for the opposition in the 2022 elections.
The visit is seen by some as part of the President’s ongoing strategy to reach out to regions that overwhelmingly voted for the opposition in the 2022 elections.
Ukambani, a Wiper stronghold, has largely supported Kalonzo Musyoka over the years.
During the tour, President Ruto commissioned the KSh 1.1 billion Emali–Matiliku Road, promising that the government would continue investing in the region regardless of political affiliations.
“Development is for every Kenyan,” Ruto said. “Even those who didn’t vote for me deserve roads, schools, and hospitals. My government will serve everyone equally.”
During the tour, President Ruto commissioned the KSh 1.1 billion Emali–Matiliku Road, promising that the government would continue investing in the region regardless of political affiliations.
“Development is for every Kenyan,” Ruto said. “Even those who didn’t vote for me deserve roads, schools, and hospitals. My government will serve everyone equally.”
Interestingly, several leaders close to Kalonzo have in recent months been seen attending President Ruto’s events, a move that has sparked speculation about shifting political loyalties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Some, like Senator Maanzo, have argued that their cooperation with the government is purely for development purposes, not politics.
Others believe the President is deliberately targeting influential Ukambani leaders to weaken the Wiper base. Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior, who hosted Ruto in Makueni, emphasized unity and development over partisan politics.
“We can still work with the national government without abandoning our political beliefs,” Mutula said.
“Our people need development, not endless political fights.”
MP Suzanne Kiamba’s remarks, though short, carried a powerful message about dignity and respect in Kenya’s political space.
MP Suzanne Kiamba’s remarks, though short, carried a powerful message about dignity and respect in Kenya’s political space.
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