Watafute mtu wa kutisha! Ruto tells critics

President William Ruto speaking in Nyeri on January 12, 2026/PCS

President William Ruto has dismissed political critics questioning his leadership and 2027 prospects, saying they lack a coherent agenda for the country and will not intimidate him.

The President said his mandate derives from voters and that it is Kenyans, not rival politicians, who will ultimately assess his performance.

Speaking in Nyeri on Monday, Ruto said his administration was elected on a reform agenda and invited citizens to judge him based on delivery rather than political rhetoric.

“The people I’m competing with don’t have a plan or an agenda for the country. Those who have been saying that I will only serve one term do not scare me. They should look for somebody else to scare,” he said.

 “You are the ones who voted for me and tasked me with the job.”

This even as the country edges closer to the 2027 general election, with rival camps testing narratives around economic performance, governance, and electoral viability.

On Sunday, while in Nyeri affirmed that no one will succeed in creating a rift between him and the people of the Mt Kenya region.

Ruto, without mentioning names, said there are individuals determined to drive a wedge between him and the region that overwhelmingly supported him in the 2022 General Election.

“There are people who think they can create a rift between me and people of Mt Kenya and me,” he stated, adding, “They cannot destroy what the region and I have built together. That is impossible.”

The President urged those allegedly working to divide him from the people to look elsewhere, saying he will continue walking with the residents of the Mountain region.

“I am the President of Kenya because of your votes. The government I am running today is because of your votes. You allowed me to serve you,” he said.

Ruto highlighted that the region has tasked him with addressing key issues, including education, agriculture, businesses, infrastructure, and power.

“I know the test is in 2027 and everybody will be assessed according to the work they have done,” he stated.

He also stressed that voters in Nyeri judge leaders based on performance and plans, not appearances.

“Do people in Nyeri elect leaders based on their looks? You elect people based on the work they have done and their plan. We will meet in 2027 with those who like insulting other leaders,” Ruto said.

President Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki presided over the Nyota Business Start-Up Capital disbursement in Nyeri County.

President Ruto reiterated that the Nyota programme is a key pillar of his administration’s plan to tackle youth unemployment and expand access to economic opportunities, particularly for young people who have traditionally been excluded from formal financing systems.

He reiterated that the programme targets youth from diverse backgrounds, including those without formal academic qualifications.