President Ruto affirms focus to service delivery, dismisses ‘naysayers’

President William Ruto has once again downplayed mounting criticism and growing opposition against his Kenya Kwanza administration amid apparent waning political popularity asserting that he remains firmly committed to fulfilling the promises he made to Kenyans and will not be distracted by detractors.

Instead, the Head of State reiterated his commitment to transform the nation despite harsh censures from his detractors.

Speaking yesterday during a church service in Kibra, Nairobi, the president vowed not to tire of working towards realising the ambitious plans he has to change Kenya’s future.

“Our economy, education, and health are undergoing transformation. Let us focus on that because that is what will determine a destiny that befits all of us,” he stated.

He affirmed that he will not be swayed by what he termed “political noise” from opponents who are already predicting his downfall in the 2027 General Election.

“I’m not bothered by those making political noise. This is not new. Even in the Bible, when Nehemiah was building the wall, there were distractors just like these,” said Ruto.

Instead, the president emphasised his focus on delivering his development agenda, highlighting key pillars such as economic transformation, job creation, universal healthcare, and affordable housing.

“Let us not waste time on people with no plan, no agenda, and no vision. Let’s focus on the transformation of Kenya. Our agriculture is being transformed, our economy is undergoing reforms let’s stay the course,” he said.

His remarks come amid growing public frustration over the high cost of living, rising taxes, and controversial policy proposals that have sparked protests and triggered concerns about the viability of his administration beyond a single term.

This comes on the backdrop of endless backlash from the opposition led by prominent leaders, among them former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Gachagua has intimated that President Ruto has been involved in massive dubious deals, accusing him of incompetence and frail leadership.

Ruto has rebutted by scoffing at Gachagua’s newly-unveiled party, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), terming it colourless and tribal.

They have also accused the government of being out of touch with the struggles facing the common man.

They cite rising youth unemployment and the soaring prices of essential commodities as signs of failed leadership.

However, President Ruto downplayed the opposition’s influence, insisting that leadership is defined by results, not rhetoric.

“Ignore the naysayers whose only agenda is name-calling, insults, and tribalism. Kenya has a great destiny, and we are moving toward it,” he said.

The opposition has begun coalescing under a new alliance, with Gachagua teaming up with Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i in a bid to challenge Ruto’s re-election in 2027.

Gachagua, who was impeached in October 2024, has emerged as a fierce critic of the Ruto administration. He has launched the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) and pledged to ensure the President serves only one term, accusing him of betrayal, exclusion and repression.

He has also claimed that state security agencies are targeting him and his allies in an attempt to silence dissent, further escalating tensions between the government and the opposition.