President William Ruto has challenged Kenya’s Opposition leaders to put forward concrete policies rather than rely on political slogans as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at a presidential town hall in Nairobi on Tuesday, President Ruto said voters should examine what politicians intend to do for the country, rather than be swayed by catchy phrases.
“Do not bring us slogans. Come with ideas that will help the nation,” President Ruto said.
The remarks came during the National Health Summit Presidential Townhall at the Kenyatta International Convention Center, where the discussion focused on the government’s healthcare reforms, including the Social Health Authority and the Taifa Care program.
Ruto said his administration was focused on delivering its agenda and challenged political rivals to explain what they would do differently if elected.
“We want to compete based on ideas on how to transform our nation,” he said.
He also urged political leaders to be ready to defend their positions before voters.
“Any leader must stand up to the scrutiny of the Kenyan people on anything they say,” the President said.
His comments appeared aimed at an increasingly active Opposition ahead of the 2027 elections, when President Ruto is expected to face a range of political rivals.
President also defended some of the phrases associated with his administration, arguing that they represented programs rather than campaign rhetoric.
He cited the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and the Hustler Fund as examples.
“When we said Hustler Fund, it was not a slogan. It is a fund that has today disbursed Sh90 billion,” he said.
The President said similar thinking guided his government’s approach to healthcare, which he described as an effort to make services accessible to ordinary Kenyans.
President Ruto’s remarks come as political parties and potential presidential candidates increasingly position themselves ahead of the 2027 contest. The debate is likely to intensify over the coming months, with questions about the economy, healthcare, jobs and the cost of living expected to feature prominently.
President William Ruto says his opponents should do more than criticize his administration.
Come with better ideas,” he said.
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