Ex ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has criticised President William Ruto's address to the nation, accusing him of elevating his "development" agenda above the constitutional values that Kenyans endorsed in the 2010 Constitution.
Mr Sifuna's remarks came hours after President Ruto used a State House address to invite Kenyans to what he described as the "most consequential national conversation" since the promulgation of the Constitution, saying the country must chart a common path on governance, national unity and shared prosperity.
The President said the dialogue would provide an opportunity for Kenyans to reflect on the country's future while reaffirming his administration's commitment to implementing its economic agenda and completing key programmes aimed at transforming livelihoods.
But Mr Sifuna dismissed the President's framing, arguing that no development agenda can supersede the Constitution.
"Ruto just spent 40 minutes trying to create a false equivalence between our national values set out in the Constitution and his so-called 'development'," Mr Sifuna posted on X.
The Nairobi Senator said the order in which the Constitution is structured was deliberate, arguing that the country's democratic ideals must always come before socio-economic aspirations.
"Kenyans, please trust me when I tell you there is a reason the Preamble comes before Article 43. You don't get to the 'development' clauses until and unless you have taken into account the reasons we passed this Constitution in the first place," he said.
He said democracy, human rights, freedom, equality, the rule of law and social justice were the principles upon which all government action must be anchored.
President Ruto's address sought to rally the country behind what he described as a fresh national conversation on Kenya's future, with the Head of State promising an inclusive process that would bring together leaders, professionals, religious groups, young people and other stakeholders to discuss governance, economic transformation and national cohesion.
The President said the conversation should focus on practical solutions to the country's challenges rather than political divisions, insisting that Kenya's future depends on unity and a shared national purpose.
However, opposition leaders have questioned the President's latest initiative, arguing that it comes against the backdrop of unfulfilled promises made since he assumed office in September 2022.
His critics say the administration is yet to deliver on key campaign pledges, including lowering the cost of living, creating jobs for young people, reducing taxes and easing the economic burden on households. They argue that many Kenyans continue to grapple with high food prices, heavy taxation and rising public debt despite repeated assurances that the economy is improving.
The latest exchange underscores the widening political divide between President Ruto and his critics, who insist that the debate should centre on constitutionalism, accountability and the government's record rather than fresh promises.
With the country edging closer to the 2027 General Election, Thursday's exchanges signalled that the battle over governance and constitutional values is likely to dominate Kenya's political discourse in the coming months.
