President’s pushback to criticism: Don’t judge government based on fake news, Ruto say
As the country marked 61 years since gaining internal self-rule, president William Ruto was on the defensiveas he ralled the nation saying his administration is being criticised based on fake news amid mounting national outrage over rampant graft, poor governance and failing integrity on the part of the state officers.
While seeking to absolve his Kenya Kwanza administration and now the Broad Based Government that has co-opted the Raila Odinga’s ODM party into government from blame, Ruto has accused critics of peddling fake news and distorting facts about his administration’s development agenda on social media.
Speaking during the Jamhuri Day celebrations at the Uhuru Gardens Ulinzi Complex along Lang’ata Road in Nairobi, Ruto warned that such practices could threaten the nation’s freedom, democracy, and progress.
“I welcome discourse, criticism, and alternative proposals. Feedback helps me learn, improve, and do better. However, much of what is presented as facts are falsehoods, and much opposition stems from misrepresentation and outright disinformation.” Ruto retorted.
He urged Kenyans to engage truthfully and avoid undermining his administration’s goals or weakening the nation’s collective resolve.
“Failing to engage truthfully will lead us down a path of negativity, alienate us from our values, and turn us into a people who sabotage development, undermine democracy, and destroy our Republic for political expediency.” The president cautioned.
Despite Ruto’s remarks, his administration has faced persistent accusations of failing to uphold integrity.
Recently, Catholic bishops criticised the government for breaking key promises and fostering what they described as a “culture of lies,” warning it could erode public trust.
“The culture of lies is rapidly replacing the integrity and respect Kenyans deserve. It seems truth has ceased to matter. Unfortunately, Kenyans have tolerated these falsehoods from politicians for too long. They must stop validating the lies they are told.” The bishops said.
Similar criticism has been made by professional bodies including the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), civil society, the citizenry including students.
“When we say that the cost of basic food commodities has come down, it is a fact. When we say that inflation has gone down, it is a fact. When we say that our farmers are producing more and better, it is a fact, and when we say that Kenyans who have registered for Taifa Care are receiving better services than before, it is a fact.” He added.
“If some of us persist in the culture of reckless negativity, for how long will cynics mobilise Kenyans to deny facts that they can touch, feel and see?” He posed.
Ruto said that new housing units under the affordable housing program will soon be handed over to beneficiaries, while thousands of young professionals including 300 recently deployed workers are already benefiting from jobs abroad.
The President’s remarks come amidst public opposition to various government programmes including the new university funding model, livestock vaccination, and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) now rebranded as Taifa Care.
