Ruto Says He Is Not Afraid of Rivals, Trusts Kenyans to Judge His Record
President William Ruto has dismissed concerns over his political rivals, maintaining that he is confident Kenyan voters will assess competing leaders based on their plans and track records ahead of the 2027 General Election.
President William Ruto has dismissed concerns over his political rivals, maintaining that he is confident Kenyan voters will assess competing leaders based on their plans and track records ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking to the Daily Nation on Friday, August 21, Ruto said he was not worried about his competitors, expressing confidence that Kenyans were capable of distinguishing between genuine policy proposals and political rhetoric.
Ruto particularly defended key initiatives implemented by his administration, including the Social Health Authority (SHA), the affordable housing programme and the university funding model, which have faced criticism from sections of the opposition.
He also defended the Hustler Fund and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, saying they were designed as practical programmes rather than campaign slogans.
According to Ruto, the Hustler Fund has so far disbursed about KSh90 billion to approximately 27 million Kenyans. He said the Bottom-Up approach was intended to expand government support for ordinary citizens, including small traders and boda boda operators.
The President further argued that programmes in health, education and housing were part of his broader effort to improve access to essential services and create economic opportunities for Kenyans.
Ruto also addressed his relationship with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing his predecessor of choosing to remain involved in opposition politics instead of taking on what he described as a unifying statesman role.
The President said he had previously approached Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga seeking their involvement in developing a broader vision for the country. According to Ruto, however, Kenyatta declined the proposal and instead continued engaging in opposition politics.
As political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 elections, Ruto said his opponents should move beyond criticism and present Kenyans with clear programmes and detailed plans for governing the country.
He maintained that the ultimate decision would rest with voters, whom he trusts to judge competing political agendas when the time comes.
Ruto’s remarks come amid growing political competition, with government performance, the economy and the future of flagship programmes expected to feature prominently in the 2027 electoral debate.
