Debate Ignited by Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu’s Controversial Comments
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has stirred up a heated debate among Kenyans on X (formerly Twitter) with his assertion that Kalenjins have historically produced the worst presidents in Kenya. On December 31, 2024, he remarked, “Why is it that when we have a President from the Rift Valley, Kenyans experience the worst hardships? They damage the economy and oppress the populace. What is the underlying issue with a President from that region?”
This statement has prompted a strong backlash from Kenyans on Twitter. Notably, Raila Odinga’s supporter, Kipkalya Kones, weighed in on the discussion, adding to the fervor surrounding Nyutu’s claims.
According to Joe Nyutu, only Mt Kenya produces the best presidents for Kenyans pic.twitter.com/gJS1zHpSYD
— The Kenya Times (@thekenyatimes) December 31, 2024
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He, Kipkalya Kones @CollinceBey replied on X,
Senator Joe Nyutu reminded me about a post we shared last year. I’ll summarize it for those who may have missed it:
Regardless of their demerits, the two Kalenjin presidencies were actually created by the Kikuyu establishment. When the colonialists were departing Kenya, their immediate vision was that the Luo and the Kikuyu, by far the most enlightened Kenyan tribes academically and spiritually (having consumed more Christian missionary work and education in their lands than all others) at that time, would work together to deliver success in a model nation. Within 3yrs however, the Mafia greed perpetuated by the power wielders would see Jaramogi depart government. When he did, Kenyatta had the option of replacing him with Tom Mboya, the most brilliant brain in the whole government. He didn’t. Kenyatta could even have offered the post to his long time buddy (the man who had in fact introduced him to Jaramogi), Ramogi Achieng’ Oneko. He didn’t. There were even options outside Luoland. Masinde Muliro and JD Otiende from Western. Ronald Ngala from the Coast. Taita arap Towett from the Rift.
What did Kenyatta do? He looked for the weakest available. First Murumbi, before finding the perfect yes man. Daniel arap Moi. Once he had Moi, the Kikuyu establishment was happy to have a man whose competence or skill didn’t register on any scale, sitting a heartbeat away from the presidency. They just didn’t remember that Jomo could actually die and Moi would take power. After Moi did, and while looking shaky, again, it was Charles Njonjo and GG Kariuki who worked to stabilise and entrench the Moi presidency. If the Moi regime turned out disastrous, we must ask its creators; what did you see in Moi?
In 2012, against all sound advice, the Kikuyu political system decided to create a future DP Ruto. His character, history and the litany of corruption and court cases were all there in public domain. But stopping Raila was bigger than saving the country. So, riding on the ICC wave, the Kikuyu embraced the Kalenjin and installed the most destructive philosophy in power. Julius Karangi, Francis Kimemia and Michael Gichangi worked day and night, under the supervision of the Kibaki State House to give us an Uhuru-Ruto presidency. They had all the intelligence reports but chose what they now think is the worst thing to ever happen to Kenya. By making Ruto DP in 2013, just like Moi as VP in 1967, Kikuyus placed Ruto firmly on the path to the presidency. They should tell us why. But before they did, remember 2022? When all they wanted was Man of God William Ruto? Now they have the man of God but they want us to be the ones who see him as man of Lucifer?
So when Senator Nyutu questions why Kenya fails to progress under Kalenjin leadership, we should, in turn, ask what his community saw in Ruto or Moi before him. The answer lies in paragraphs 1, 2, and 3.
Senator Joe Nyutu reminded me about a post we shared last year. I’ll summarize it for those who may have missed it:
— Kipkalya Kones (@CollinceBey) January 1, 2025
Regardless of their demerits, the two Kalenjin presidencies were actually created by the Kikuyu establishment. When the colonialists were departing Kenya, their…
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Kenyans on X also expressed their opinions, sharing a range of reactions to the senator’s controversial remarks:
Njoroge Kibunja Odoo implementor @penjki
Kalengin and Kikuyu is just but a construct. The real issue is electing renown criminals with criminal records. I have very good friends from almost all tribes and the thing boils down to integrity if an individual not tribe.
Anaye Chunga @AnayeTend
Stop the tribe shenanigans. POLITICAL arrangement(s) in Kenya benefits a clique of few tribeless folks. The noise is made by (subjects/victims) and the elites who are not benefiting at that moment. Both will shut up immediately the benefits taps are opened.
Minimal Govt @GovtMinimal
Brilliant take. In a bid to self-protect twice shot themselves in the foot. Chose the worst of the breed to give power and now want to blame the whole Kalenjin community yet they facilitated Moi’s and Ruto’s rise to power. @HonNyutu should just admit the mistakes and focus on ‘27