Editor's Review

“When Ruto castigates people going to court on his punitive policies and says the sword he was given is not for cutting vegetables, is he implying that it is for cutting/killing people?"

Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua has slammed President William Ruto over his remarks on using the presidential sword to deal with individuals opposing the affordable housing project.

In a statement on Monday, December 18, Karua wondered if the Head of State meant that he will use the sword to cut people.

“When Ruto castigates people going to court on his punitive policies and says the sword he was given is not for cutting vegetables, is he implying that it is for cutting/killing people? Sort of reminding us what he was is capable of?” Karua posed.

President Ruto on Saturday during a thanksgiving mass in Kisii County said the sword he was handed over by his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta was not for chopping vegetables but dealing with criminals.

“You know I was given a sword. Do you think it's for cutting vegetables? It's for dealing with all these crooks here. I will uproot them completely, and Kenya will move forward,” Ruto stated.

File image of President William Ruto after being handed the presidential sword in 2022. 

The Head of State had earlier put individuals opposing universal health coverage and housing projects on notice.

He claimed the individuals had resorted to legal action to sabotage the two projects.

Ruto’s remarks sparking reactions and concerns from several quarters including Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo and LSK President Eric Theuri.

The duo accused President Ruto of threatening the judiciary, lawyers, and Kenyans who oppose his unpopular policies.

“So, overlooked in Bunge, and now threatened with beheading for litigating the legality of the Housing Tax! This threat is not just to the parties and lawyers, but it’s directed at the Courts on a pending case! This is how far we’ve sunk!” Amollo stated.