Mambo bado, tulizeni boli, Ruto tells opposition during Nairobi tour

President Ruto has told his critics to calm down, as campaigns are yet to commence, insisting that he is currently focused on delivering his promises to the people.

Ruto declared that he will face his political opponents on the strength of his development record when the right time comes, noting he is now working on transforming the country’s economy and creating opportunities for young people.

Addressing residents at the Kangemi overpass in Nairobi after commissioning projects in Kabete and Westlands constituencies, the President said Kenya is steadily changing due to deliberate government programmes aimed at economic empowerment.

“I am very happy as the President of this country because Kenya is beginning to change, and it is changing because of the plan we have put in place,” he said.

“A plan to strengthen our economy, a plan to educate our children, a plan to produce food, and create jobs, just as we are doing here today at this site, so that we can see young people earning a livelihood.”

The Head of State began his tour by inspecting the Kabete Social Protection Affordable Housing Project, where hundreds of youth are employed.

He later handed over newly completed classrooms at Kangemi, Kihumbuini and Westlands primary schools, part of the government’s push to expand learning infrastructure.

Ruto took aim at his critics, who have coined slogans questioning his leadership and re-election prospects.

“Wale wananipigia makelele, sijui ‘Kasongo’, ‘one term’, nataka niwaambie mambo bado, tulizeni boli, mimi bado niko kazini,” he said.

(Those who are shouting at me, saying ‘Kasongo’ or ‘one term,’ I want to tell them to calm down, I am still hard at work)

In a combative tone, the President said he was ready for political competition when the time comes.

“Mimi nitafungua shati, nitakaza kamba, tutaonana na nyinyi mundu khumundu (I will roll up my sleeves, tighten my belt, and face you directly),” he declared, signaling that he will not shy away from a head-to-head contest.

He accused his opponents of relying on divisive politics and theatrics instead of substantive policy proposals.

“They will come with their tribalism, their theatrics, their tricks, and ‘Kasongo.’ I will come with these young people because they have gained employment through affordable housing,” he said.

The President maintained that he would campaign on his administration’s track record, including affordable housing, economic reforms and expanded access to education.

“I will come with affordable housing, with economic initiatives, and with the education we have provided to our children. We will meet on the ground. These are sensible people, and they will choose us, so we can move forward,” he added.

Ruto was accompanied by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi and Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, among other leaders.

The tour formed part of the President’s ongoing inspection of development projects in the capital, as he seeks to highlight progress made in housing, education and job creation initiatives.