Gachagua is making noise, Ruto says amid growing ‘wantam’ calls

President William Ruto has dismissed mounting calls from the opposition to make him a one-term President, branding his critics as “noisemakers” and vowing to remain focused on his development agenda.

Speaking during a church service at the Church of Christ in Africa in Makadara, Nairobi, yesterday, Ruto said he has sufficient time to transform the country and will not be distracted by political rhetorics.

“I’m committed. I’m focused. I’m determined to transform Kenya. And no amount of intimidation or name-calling is going to change my course,” the President said.

“I have enough time to turn this country around and get it on the right track."

Under the “wantam” slogan—short for “one-term”—opposition has launched an onslaught on Ruto's presidency.

Led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the leaders have ramped up their campaigns against Ruto, aggressively pushing the “wantam” narrative online and on the ground.

Currently, the opposition leaders are on a charm offensive along the Coast, launching a series of sharp attacks on the Ruto administration.

However, the President appears undeterred. “You hear people making noise about me, but I won’t listen to them,” Ruto said.

“It is God who gave me this opportunity to lead this nation, and I must fulfill that mission. Those making noise can go ahead—but I have an assignment for Kenya and I intend to deliver.”

Ruto described the opposition as distractors, who are determined to derail his development agenda. He said he has deliberately chosen to ignore their criticism to stay focused on uniting and transforming the country.

While stressing the need for national unity, he condemned divisive and tribal politics propagated by some leaders.

“As the leader of this country, and by God’s grace, my duty is to unite all Kenyans—because that is what the will of God demands,” Ruto said.

Referring to his broad-based collaboration with ODM leader Raila Odinga, the President said he intentionally expanded his government’s reach to ensure representation of all communities.

“I want to assure Kenyans that every community will be included in leadership and development of our country,” he said.

“That is my commitment: No community will be left behind. All Kenyans, from all backgrounds and religions, must come together—and it is my responsibility as President to make that happen.”

Ruto also expressed confidence in the effectiveness of his administration’s policies, including the often-criticised reforms in health and education.

He said the Social Health Authority, which faced early opposition, is now benefiting millions of Kenyans.

“Our farmers have done well. With good rains from God and sound agricultural programmes, we now have enough maize, tea, and milk,” Ruto said.

He was accompanied by Governor Johnson Sakaja, Makadara MP George Aladwa and Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje.

Sakaja hinted at an emerging political alliance between Ruto and Raila Odinga, stating: “You will tell us whether it's ODA or UDM. It's up to you and Baba to tell us how ODM and UDa will come together. Here in Nairobi, we are ready.”

Sakaja also criticised Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for promoting tribal politics and opposing progressive government initiatives like the Affordable Housing Programme.

“I heard that tribalist asking the President who asked him for houses. We’re not building for him. Let him live in his. Mind your business and stop standing in the way of helping ordinary Kenyans,” he said.

The governor also took aim at his political rivals—particularly those eyeing his seat—for opposing his school feeding programme, Dishi Na County.

“Some of these people who want to be governor are saying we shouldn’t feed children. Is your head okay? Some kids weren’t going to school because of hunger. I built 17 kitchens.”

“Today, we are feeding 310,000 children. Shame on you for trying to stop such a programme," he said.