Elgeyo Marakwet, Kenya – April 13, 2025 – President William Ruto has responded with renewed confidence to a rising wave of public skepticism, pledging to fulfill his ambitious development agenda despite mounting criticism and heckling during his public addresses.
Speaking during a church service in Elgeyo Marakwet County, the President rejected claims that his promises are unrealistic, singling out critics who have repeatedly chanted “uongo”—Swahili for “lies”—during his appearances. Ruto emphasized that his administration is focused on delivering tangible results and shaming those who doubt his leadership.
“I see some people are worried, saying I am telling lies. I want to tell those saying that what we say will not be fulfilled—we will embarrass you in a short while,” the President stated.
Reaffirming his strategic roadmap, Ruto dismissed accusations that his pledges are outlandish or disconnected from Kenya’s realities. He assured Kenyans that he is fully aware of the mandate entrusted to him and that every initiative rolled out by his administration is grounded in logic and long-term planning.
“I am not a mad man. I know what I am doing,” Ruto said confidently. “We will plan all things and ensure that every commitment we have made is honoured.”
President Ruto outlined key sectors that his government will prioritize as part of his national transformation agenda:
- Education: He promised substantial investment in the education system, spanning junior school to university, to improve access and equip learners with relevant skills for Kenya’s growing economy.
- Agriculture: Acknowledging the sector’s vital role in Kenya’s economy, Ruto vowed to implement sector-wide reforms aimed at increasing productivity, stabilizing food prices, and improving the livelihoods of farmers.
- Healthcare: Ruto reiterated his commitment to rolling out the controversial Social Health Authority (SHA) initiative, which he said would overhaul the country’s healthcare delivery system and ensure equitable access to medical services.
Just a day prior, during a burial service in Siaya County, Ruto brushed off chants of “Ruto must go” that have been gaining traction in parts of the country. Speaking at Ramba High School during the memorial of George Oduor, a long-serving bodyguard to opposition leader Raila Odinga, the President compared the protests to past political slogans that targeted previous leaders.
“You are now telling me ‘Ruto must go.’ I have heard that many times,” Ruto said. “There was ‘Moi must go’ and others… this ‘must go’ is just a usual song. There is no problem. Where is the issue?”
Ruto also addressed the numerous derogatory nicknames and memes circulating on social media, saying he remains undeterred by online criticism.
“Since I assumed office, I have been called many names on social media, but I don’t lose sleep over it. My focus remains on fulfilling my mandate.”
As President Ruto navigates through a deeply polarized political environment, the country watches closely to see whether his resolve will translate into concrete reforms or if the voices of dissent will continue to gain momentum. Despite the heckles and growing street-level discontent, Ruto appears determined to stay the course and prove his critics wrong—on his own terms.
