President William Ruto has hit out at his political opponents, challenging Kenyans to judge leaders by their development record rather than campaign slogans as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.
Ruto said voters should reject attempts by politicians to win support by simply demanding that he leaves office after one term without presenting clear policies, programmes and an alternative agenda.
He was addressing residents of Maili Nne, Huruma and Eldoret City in Uasin Gishu County shortly after presiding over a KDF pass-out parade at the Recruits Training School (RTS) in Eldoret.
“Kila kiongozi anapimwa na ile kazi amefanya. Hakuna mtu atakuja kututapeli hapa ati atuambie ‘Kasongo must go’, ati one term, halafu tumpatie kazi,” Ruto said.
The President challenged residents of Eldoret to examine the records of those seeking to replace his administration.
“Nyinyi watu wa Eldoret si mumewahi piga kura? Si nyinyi ni mafundi wa siasa? Si mnajua hawa viongozi wote?” he asked.
Ruto then turned his criticism to his predecessor, whom he referred to as the sponsor of some of his political opponents.
In an indirect jibe, Ruto questioned his record on affordable housing, universal health coverage and education, asking residents to compare the programmes with those being implemented by his government.
“Yule sponsor wao si alishindwa na maneno ya affordable housing, si alishindwa na mambo ya universal health coverage, si alishindwa na maneno ya kusomesha watoto wetu?” Ruto claimed.
Ruto challenged voters to examine whether his opponents had presented a clear alternative agenda ahead of the 2027 election.
“Wale watu mumesikia mpango yao, agenda yao, mumesikia sera yao, mumesikia maono yao?” he asked.
During his address, the President updated residents on the progress of his administration’s development agenda.
He also inspected the Champions Retail Market in Eldoret City, one of 14 modern markets being constructed across Uasin Gishu County.
Ruto said the government was constructing 600 modern markets nationally, aimed at providing traders, particularly small-scale businesses and Mama Mboga, with safe and dignified spaces to operate.
“Nationally, we are building 600 modern markets, fulfilling our promise to Mama Mboga that they will do their business in decent, safe and dignified spaces,” he said.
He said his administration had spent the past four years working to implement commitments contained in its manifesto, dubbed The Plan.
Ruto said the government would accelerate implementation of its development programmes, expand opportunities and pursue its ambition of transforming Kenya into a first-world economy.
“We are keen on accelerating the transformation of our nation, expanding opportunities for all and transitioning our country to a first-world economy that every Kenyan will be proud to call home,” he said.
The President's remarks come as political parties and leaders intensify preparations for the 2027 General Election, with development records and competing policy agendas expected to feature prominently in the campaigns.
