NAIROBI — President William Ruto has accused his political opponents of lacking any clear plan for Kenya, claiming they are fixated on him while failing to address national challenges.
Speaking during the launch of Phase 1A of the 2,200-unit Boma Yangu Railway City housing project in Nairobi, Ruto said his rivals are using his name as a substitute for policy. “If you ask them their plan for housing, they’ll say ‘Ruto.’ Ask about youth jobs, they’ll still say ‘Ruto,’” he said. “I am telling you, if you remove Ruto, these people will be completely clueless.”
His remarks come just days after violent anti-Finance Bill 2024 annivesary protests swept through major towns on June 25. More than 15 civilians died in the June 25 protests, with police accused of using shooting and using violent tactics to calm protest led by unarmed youth, most of them under 30. Demonstrators marched to town in commemoration of the 2024 protests which claimed lives of over 60 civilians mainly Gen Z and millennials outside Parliament building. The June 25 protest turned tragic after parts of Nairobi’s business district were looted and vandalized.
The Interior Ministry has alleged that politicians mobilized and funded groups to cause the destruction, but has yet to release detailed evidence or make public arrests tied to that claim.
President Ruto did not name any individuals but indirectly addressed leaders allied to his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, who has publicly criticized the President in recent weeks. He urged the opposition to redirect focus toward meaningful solutions. “Let them come up with ideas. Kenya needs action, not noise,” he said.
Addressing young people directly, Ruto warned against becoming pawns in political games. “Don’t allow anyone to misuse your energy. You can build this country, not burn it,” he told the crowd gathered at the Railway City site. He emphasized that youth involvement in development projects like affordable housing and digital economy programs remains key to national progress.
The Boma Yangu Railway City Estate is part of the administration’s housing push under the Bottom-Up Economic Plan, which aims to expand access to affordable homes while creating jobs for young workers. The President reiterated that the government would safeguard public spaces and investments.
“The police will continue to maintain order,” Ruto added. “We are committed to making Nairobi and all towns safe for business.”
Ruto’s statement is his latest attempt to regain control of the political narrative after a week marked by public outrage over police shootings, mass arrests, and renewed calls for accountability. Critics have accused the government of responding to dissent with excessive force, while youth-led protests have drawn global attention to democratic rights in Kenya.
As pressure mounts ahead of the 2027 general election, Ruto has continued to frame development projects as central to his leadership, while painting his critics as reactive and without vision.
