‘Not Fit to Lead’- Ruto Challenges Opposition Over Political Rhetoric
President William Ruto has firmly dismissed criticism directed at his administration, stating that no amount of “name-calling, incitement, or propaganda” will weaken his relationship with the residents of Central Kenya.
Speaking during an extensive development tour of Murang’a County this week, the President emphasized that his engagement with the region spans over two decades and remains firmly anchored in the delivery of development projects promised before the last general election.
The Head of State toured multiple constituencies to inspect and commission various government initiatives, reinforcing his commitment to grassroots economic transformation.
President Ruto Dismisses Political Criticism in Mt. Kenya Region
During his engagements, he addressed the political noise surrounding his visits to the Mt. Kenya region, vowing to remain undeterred by detractors.
“There are people who think they can insult me and make noise to drive me out of Mt Kenya region. I want to tell them that they are day dreaming,” Ruto said as per Capital FM.
“I will continue building roads, educating our children, and reforming agriculture and healthcare.”
He further challenged opposition leaders to focus on presenting alternative development agendas instead of engaging in divisive rhetoric.
Prioritizing Murang’a County Development and Service Delivery
The President noted that Kenyan voters are intellectually capable of judging their leaders based on tangible performance rather than empty political posturing.
“If their job is to hurl insults, preach tribalism, hatred and division, they are not fit to lead,” he said.
During the tour, the President showcased the government’s investment in Murang’a, which includes a KSh27 billion allocation for 6,800 affordable housing units and 25 modern markets.
Additionally, KSh1.1 billion has been earmarked for the last-mile connectivity programme to bring electricity to 14,000 households. The agricultural sector, a backbone of the region’s economy, has seen significant interventions; fertilizer prices have been slashed from KSh7,000 to KSh2,500, and coffee sector reforms have successfully removed exploitative middlemen, driving prices up from KSh60 to between KSh110 and KSh160 per kilogram.
Health and infrastructure also took center stage. The government has spent KSh2.2 billion on healthcare in the county over the past year, with 452,000 residents now registered under the Social Health Authority.
Major road projects, including the Mau Mau roads, have received KSh2 billion in funding, while several new projects were launched in Mathioya and other constituencies.
Accompanying the President were Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Lands and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, and ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo. Governor Irungu Kang’ata lauded the collaboration between the national and county governments, noting that these partnerships are critical for accelerating industrialization and job creation.
The President’s message remained clear: his administration is not distracted by political theatrics.
By commissioning infrastructure like the 10,000-seater Mumbi Stadium, expanding the Kenneth Matiba Hospital, and launching an ICT Jitume Lab to train youth in digital skills, Ruto reiterated that his mandate is to deliver the promises made to the people, ensuring that every corner of the country feels the impact of his bottom-up economic transformation agenda.
