Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has challenged President William Ruto to broaden his public apologies, arguing that the Head of State owes the same level of accountability to the Kenyan people as he does to his own family.
Speaking at a public event in Kajiado on Sunday, May 3, 2026, the senator pointed to the president’s recent admission during the Kalasha International Film and TV Awards, where he apologized to his daughter for previously discouraging her from pursuing a career in film.
The senator criticized the president for what he viewed as a double standard in taking responsibility. He argued that if the president can publicly acknowledge a personal error regarding his daughter’s career choices, he should show the same humility and transparency when addressing Kenyans on major governance and policy issues.
“Jana, Kasongo akiwa katika awarding ceremony ya wale wanaitwa content creators, aliomba msamaha kwa mtoto wake,” Karungo said.
Thang’wa noted that the president’s change of heart came only after he witnessed the potential of the creative industry firsthand at the KICC ceremony. While the senator acknowledged this personal admission, he insisted that such candor should not stop at the family dinner table. He argued that if the president can admit he was wrong about a career path, he must also address the financial and systemic grievances of the entire nation.
“Sisi tunaambia Kasongo, vile uliomba mtoto wako msamaha, omba wa Kenya msamaha sababu umekula pesa yao,” he said.
Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa also voiced frustrations over the rising cost of living and the decline in public service delivery. He accused the administration of failing to provide quality education and healthcare despite the heavy tax burden on citizens. By comparing the high costs of school fees and medical bills to current government spending habits, he demanded a formal apology for the struggles facing ordinary Kenyans.
Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa also took aim at the state of education funding, arguing that many families remain in a financial stranglehold because government systems fail to support learners adequately. He pointed to a stark contrast in the value placed on citizens’ lives versus their future potential, highlighting the meager daily support some students receive compared to other government payouts.
“Watoto wetu wakiuwawa analipa three million; tukipeleka mtoto shule analipa fifty-three bob,” he said.
The senator further voiced concerns about the Social Health Authority (SHA), claiming the system has failed to function as expected and has left the public in a state of deep frustration. He directly linked the President’s personal apology to these national failures, suggesting that the same accountability shown to his daughter is overdue for the struggling healthcare sector.
“Leo tunamwambia, vile uliomba mtoto wako msamaha, omba wa Kenya msamaha sababu ya SHA haiifanyi kazi,” he said.
Ultimately, the senator warned that the time for apologies may have already passed for many. He shared that residents in Kajiado have grown so dissatisfied with the current administration that they are no longer interested in words of regret, preferring instead to see a change in leadership.
“Watu hapa Kajiado wamesema hata ukiomba msamaha, wanakupeleka nyumbani. Watu wamekataa msamaha,” he said.
These remarks follow President Ruto’s appearance at the Kalasha Awards, where he shared a rare personal confession. During the event, he publicly apologized to his daughter, Chepng’etich, for discouraging her interest in film studies after she completed high school.
“One more thing. I must apologise to my daughter, Chepng’etich, this evening. She had asked me after Form 4 that she would want to do film, and I said no,” Ruto said during the event.
The president admitted that his experience at the ceremony completely shifted his view of the industry. Having previously underestimated the potential of creative careers, he acknowledged that his earlier resistance was a lapse in judgment.
“Watching what I have watched this evening, it was a mistake on my part,” the president said.
The post Karungo Hits Out at Ruto: ‘Apologize to Kenyans Like You Apologized to your Daughter’ appeared first on Bossnana.
