On Tuesday, July 19, Deputy President William Ruto widened his rift with Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu ahead of the August 9, General Election.
While drumming up support for Kitui UDA gubernatorial candidate Jonathan Mueke, the deputy president dismissed Ngilu,70, as too old to be getting married.
“I want you all to vote in Jonathan Mueke…What became of the lady (Ngilu). Did she go to Bondo…How can old women her kind get married?” Ruto was heard asking.
Ruto’s remarks irked a section of Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party politicians who flooded the internet saying no one chooses to be a widow and that the deputy president has no respect for women.
Moments later, Governor Charity Ngilu fired back at William Ruto faulting the second in command for showing no respect for the female gender who, in her words, will seal his fate on Tuesday, August 9.
“If you cannot respect women, you cannot respect anybody else… you can insult women all you want but in this election, women will make a major statement,” Ngilu said.
However, Kenya Kwanza Alliance supporters immediately came to the defense of Ruto for demeaning the county boss.
The netizens told Ngilu that respect is two-way traffic and that Ruto will only respect her if she also respects him considering she is also fond of insulting the former Agriculture minister on social media.
“He told you the bitter truth, uliingia kwa arena (you started the insults), maliza hii safari (finish the journey), and stop shedding crocodiles tears,” one of the users said.
“Nyani ni nyani tu. She insults the DP for lunch. It is her hobby. One response and she is crying all over,” another user said.
“Ngilu has been hurling insults at Ruto at every opportunity. But Ruto did not insult Ngilu. He only asked where is that lady (Ngilu). The masses shouted she got married in Bondo. Ruto asked in shock if women of her age get married,” another user said.
“Stop playing the gender card it won’t work. It is dead on arrival. If you insult men, including DP Ruto and they insult you humbly accept. They are also human. Otherwise, stay away from insults and you won’t be insulted,” another user told Ngilu in the comment section.
“You can’t disrespect men and expect us to respect you. It has to be two-way traffic! Ukinitusi then I should have the liberty to insult you too! I will choose how to use my liberty!” another went in.
