The remarks, delivered only hours apart, have fueled fresh political debate as both presidents appeared to target Matiang’i’s well-known habit of dozing off in public functions.
Museveni sparked the conversation when he declared that “the problem with Africans is that they love sleeping, but we are now waking up,” a comment interpreted as a call for vigilance and hard work across the continent.
His statement quickly gained traction, especially after Ruto seized the moment to reinforce the message using a pointed jab of his own.
Ruto, speaking during a public engagement, said Museveni was right that Africa must wake up, adding that some leaders are still sleeping even after repeated calls to remain alert.
He joked that while the continent is rising, there are a few individuals who “continue sleeping publicly,” an unmistakable reference to Matiang’i’s past incidents.
Their combined remarks have been widely viewed as a coordinated political swipe, coming at a time when tensions between Ruto’s administration and opposition figures remain high.
Analysts noted that both presidents used humor as a tool to highlight what they see as a pattern of disengagement from leaders expected to be fully attentive.
Social media erupted with reactions as supporters and critics debated whether the jabs were justified or unnecessarily provocative.
Many observed that the timing and similarity of the remarks suggested that Matiang’i was the direct target, despite neither leader mentioning him by name.
The episode has intensified the ongoing political heat, with observers saying the comments reflect deeper underlying tensions within East Africa’s political landscape.
As discussions continue, it is clear that the combined attack from Ruto and Museveni has thrust Matiang’i back into the spotlight in a way that has reignited old rivalries.