Murang’a County Senator Joe Nyutu speaking during an interview with Citizen TV on May 5, 2025.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has urged President William Ruto to cut back on what he termed “car roof politics” and instead focus on governing from his office, following a security incident in Migori County where the President was hit by a flying shoe while addressing a roadside rally.
Senator Nyutu expressed serious concerns over the growing trend of President Ruto conducting impromptu rallies atop his official vehicle, warning that such exposure not only endangers the Head of State but also erodes the dignity of the presidential office.
Speaking to Citizen TV on Monday, Nyutu said:
“The president is the symbol of unity and anything happening to him will affect the nation in a big way, and we pray that such an incident does not happen again.”
According to the Murang’a legislator, the President’s frequent public appearances from his vehicle’s sunroof present a complicated challenge for his security detail, especially in unpredictable and emotionally charged environments. He urged Ruto to minimize such appearances and adopt a more office-centered approach that emphasizes governance, policy implementation, and leadership from the helm of the state.
“He needs to reduce car roof appearances because it makes it complicated for his security to ensure that he is safe from the crowds. Stick to the office, work, develop policies so that we feel him through the implementation of projects,” Nyutu stated.
He emphasized that the nation is looking to President Ruto for solutions to pressing issues such as the high cost of living, unemployment, and economic recovery—not populist shows at public rallies.
“What we need is impact through results,” Nyutu said. “Let the President anchor his feet in the State House or his office, roll up his sleeves, and deliver on the promises he made to Kenyans.”
Nyutu also raised a red flag over what he views as the growing trivialization of the presidency, especially through informal appearances and chants that go viral online. The senator pointed to the now-popular moniker “Kasongo,” used widely across social media to refer to the President in jest.
“The President also needs to work on this because when you see him leading the song ‘Kasongo’, the stature of that office also gets affected,” Nyutu remarked. “That image weakens the presidency and invites ridicule.”
Although President Ruto has downplayed the nickname and said he bears no grudge toward Kenyans for calling him “Kasongo,” Nyutu’s comments highlight a concern within political circles that the optics of the presidency are being compromised.
“There is a fine line between being relatable to the people and devaluing the authority of the presidency,” Nyutu explained. “That line must not be crossed.”
The senator’s remarks come at a time when public debate over presidential conduct and security has intensified. Many Kenyans and leaders alike have voiced concerns that the President’s casual approach to public engagements might expose him to greater danger, especially in politically charged regions.
The incident in Migori, where a shoe was hurled at Ruto during a rally, has reignited the conversation on how best to balance public accessibility with safety and statecraft.
While the President has not publicly commented on the attack, his office has continued with business as usual, emphasizing that his schedule remains uninterrupted. However, Nyutu believes that this moment should serve as a wake-up call.
“Let’s not wait for something worse to happen,” he said. “We all want to see the President succeed, but he must also help us help him by behaving in a way that upholds the office and prioritizes his personal security.”
As one of the most vocal leaders from the Mt. Kenya region, Nyutu’s statements are likely to spark broader conversation across the political landscape. His remarks underscore a deeper tension between image and leadership style within Kenya’s top office.
In the senator’s view, retreating to the basics of governance—working from the office, pushing reforms, and letting actions speak louder than roadside speeches—will go a long way in restoring public confidence and reinforcing the prestige of the presidency.
