I will give you 1% of my time, Ruto tells opposition

President William Ruto in Busia during the groundbreaking ceremony of Busia stadium on March 18./PCS

President William Ruto has dismissed ongoing criticism from opposition leaders, saying he will focus on delivering for Kenyan and only dedicate “one per cent” of his time to political disputes.

Speaking on Wednesday during the groundbreaking ceremony of Busia Stadium in Busia county, Ruto struck a defiant tone after a day of public exchanges between government officials and critics.

Ruto said his administration would not be distracted by political attacks, emphasising that his priority remains service delivery and national development.

“I will give you one per cent of my time,” Ruto said, in reference to opposition criticism, underscoring his resolve to concentrate on governance rather than engaging in prolonged political confrontations.

The President’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions that have seen leaders trade accusations in public forums, raising concerns about deepening divisions within the country’s leadership. However, Ruto used the Busia event to call for unity and a shift away from divisive politics.

He urged leaders across the political divide to abandon rhetoric that fuels disunity and instead work together to address the challenges facing the country.

“Yesterday I told them to deter from spreading a culture that does not unite Kenyans. We are uniting Kenya,” Ruto said.

In a notable appeal, the President called for cooperation between major political formations between ODM and UDA. He said there is need for collective action in tackling key national issues.

“We have said ODM, UDA and Kenya Kwanza should unite against problems, tribalism, discrimination and unite Kenyans,” Ruto said.

His comments have signaled an attempt to project a message of inclusivity and national cohesion, even as political differences persist. By framing his response around unity, the President appeared keen to position his administration as focused on bridging divides rather than deepening them.

The Busia Stadium project, which formed the backdrop of his remarks, is part of the government’s broader agenda to invest in infrastructure and youth development through sports. Leaders present at the event welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to create opportunities and boost local economies.

Even so, the political undertones of the President’s speech reflected the current climate, where public disagreements between key figures continue to shape the national conversation.

His reference to limiting time spent on critics suggests a deliberate strategy to rise above political noise while maintaining focus on his administration’s priorities.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, Ruto’s stance sets the tone for how his administration intends to navigate criticism by minimising engagement with detractors and emphasising results-driven leadership.

Whether this approach will ease tensions or further polarise debate remains to be seen, but the President’s message in Busia was clear: his focus, he says, will remain firmly on serving Kenyans.