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Willie Oeba urges Kenyans critical of Ruto not to soften their stance after Charlene’s wedding
13th August, 2026 03:05 PM
Activist Willie Oeba has cautioned Kenyans who have been critical of President William Ruto’s leadership against suddenly warming up to him after being drawn to the softer images emerging from his family following the recent wedding of his daughter, Charlene Ruto.
Speaking in a TikTok video on Thursday, August 13, 2026, Oeba said Kenyans should not allow the celebrations surrounding Charlene’s wedding, as well as photographs and videos showing Ruto in affectionate moments with his family, to alter their assessment of his performance as president.
The activist was reacting to the growing social media attention around Ruto, who has featured prominently in online posts following the high-profile wedding, with some Kenyans sharing images of the president interacting with family members and celebrating the occasion.
“Now you all are posting about Ruto. Unprovoked,” Oeba said, questioning why Kenyans who have previously criticised the president were suddenly filling social media platforms with posts about him.
He suggested that the wedding had given Kenyans a fresh opportunity to circulate content featuring the president, including seemingly ordinary family moments that have attracted considerable attention online.
“Now because Charlene had a wedding, you have the opportunity to post Ruto until he is with the grandson and say they look cute,” he said.
Oeba, however, urged Kenyans not to confuse Ruto’s personal or family moments with his record in office, arguing that a president’s public image should not be allowed to overshadow concerns surrounding his leadership.
“He is not a good leader,” the activist said.
He also invoked the well-known phrase about keeping citizens entertained and fed to prevent them from revolting, arguing that the idea should prompt Kenyans to examine whether political spectacle and entertainment can distract them from issues affecting their lives.
“The wise people cannot believe that the quote about ‘give them bread and circuses and they will never revolt’; those people who said that now cannot believe they were referring to Kenyans,” Oeba said.
The activist went on to accuse Kenyans of romanticising the president, urging those who have been dissatisfied with his administration not to abandon their concerns simply because they have been exposed to more appealing images of him during a family celebration.
“Stop romanticising him,” Oeba said.
He further warned that Kenyans could eventually regret allowing such moments to influence their view of the president and his administration.
“You continue, but soon you will come to regret it,” he added.
Lavish Koito
The high-profile ceremony brought together members of the Ruto family, prominent politicians, public figures and other invited guests for the traditional marriage celebrations.
The event also attracted significant public attention because of the prominence of the families involved and the presence of several well-known personalities.
Although the ceremony was a private family occasion, images and videos from the event quickly spread across social media, giving Kenyans a glimpse into the celebrations and the guests who attended.
Author
Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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