President William Ruto says he is confident Kenyan voters will distinguish between political rhetoric and concrete plans as the country moves towards the 2027 general election.
In an interview with the Daily Nation on Friday, Ruto dismissed concerns about his political opponents, saying he was not worried about the growing competition.
“I am not scared at all,” Ruto said. “I trust the judgement of the people of Kenya.”
He challenged his rivals to present detailed policies rather than rely on personal attacks, slogans and political chants.
“It is not possible for you to engage in name-calling, you know, sloganeering, insults, and expect the people of Kenya to vote for you on account of that,” he said.
President Ruto defends his government’s programs
The President also defended some of the programs that have defined his administration, including the Social Health Authority, the affordable housing program and the university funding model.
He rejected suggestions that his 2022 campaign promises were merely political slogans.
President Ruto pointed to the Hustler Fund and his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda as examples of policies he said were designed to support ordinary Kenyans and small businesses.
“Hustler was not a slogan. It wasn’t an insult. Hustler was a fund,” he said.
President said the fund had disbursed about Sh90 billion to 27 million Kenyans. He also argued that the government’s Bottom-Up approach was intended to support groups including small traders and boda boda operators.
The President maintained that programs in healthcare, education and housing were part of a broader effort to expand access to public services and economic opportunities.
President Ruto takes aim at Uhuru
President Ruto also criticized his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of choosing opposition politics rather than playing what he described as a unifying role.
He said he had previously approached Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to help develop a broader vision for the country.
According to Ruto, Kenyatta declined the proposal and instead remained involved in opposition politics.
“But he was reluctant, you know, and he said he wasn’t sure he wanted to do that,” President said.
“He chose to be, to do what he’s doing, organizing the opposition and sponsoring them,” he added.
Kenyatta has previously remained active in political discussions after leaving office, while opposition leaders have continued to challenge the President administration over its policies and record.
2027 contest takes shape
President Ruto’s comments come as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 election.
His administration’s record on the economy, healthcare, education, housing and the cost of living is expected to feature prominently in the political contest.
The opposition has criticized several government programs and policies, while President has repeatedly urged his opponents to offer alternatives rather than simply reject his agenda.
“My competitors have to think beyond insults, slogans and chants. They have to think beyond that,” he said.
Ultimately, President Ruto said, Kenyan voters would decide which political arguments and policy proposals deserve their support.
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