None of you is my size, Ruto tells Opposition leaders

President William Ruto has dismissed his political rivals, declaring that none of the leaders in the Opposition is sufficiently qualified to challenge him in the 2027 general election.

Speaking during a development tour in Nyamira county, the President said his opponents lack the political weight, vision and track record needed to mount a serious contest against him.

“Do they really know me? If you weigh them, do you think there is anyone among them who is my size?” Ruto asked.

The head of state criticised Opposition figures for what he described as a lack of a clear agenda, saying meaningful political competition must be anchored on ideas and policies rather than rhetoric.

“The Opposition should have an agenda, a plan and vision for the country and then we can compete,” he said. “As things stand now, we cannot compete because they have no agenda, plan or manifesto.”

Ruto emphasised that the ultimate decision on leadership rests with voters, not political elites, urging Kenyans to focus on development records when electing leaders at all levels.

“It is the people who will decide who the governor, MCA, Woman Rep, MP, Senator and President will be,” he said. “It is not those leaders in the Opposition who will decide but you people.”

He added that voters should prioritise performance over personality or political theatrics.

“When you will be electing leaders, you will look at their track records and not at how good looking one might be. You will elect someone due to the work they have done and not the insults they have hurled at their rivals.”

The President used the platform to highlight his administration’s development agenda, promising to showcase tangible projects as he seeks re-election.

“I will come to show you the markets I have built, the roads I have constructed, power I have connected and hospitals I have equipped,” Ruto said.

In a pointed attack, he accused Opposition leaders of resorting to intimidation and empty threats, insisting that such tactics would not succeed.

“And they will not intimidate anyone in our country. They cannot tell us that they will remove the president,” he said.

Ruto further challenged his critics to demonstrate their own development record, questioning their contributions to local communities.

“Right here in Nyamira, is there a church they have built, is there any road they have constructed here or even a classroom?” he asked. “They should stop intimidating people.”

The President reiterated his commitment to safeguarding citizens from political intimidation, vowing to uphold democratic principles and inclusivity.

“And as President I will not allow anybody to intimidate fellow citizens. Kenya does not belong to a few people but all people, not a few of the political class,” he said.