President William Ruto has declared that he bears the responsibility of transforming Kenya and has no excuse for failure, saying he combines the best traits of Kenya’s past presidents.
His remarks come at a time when his administration is under immense public pressure to deliver on campaign promises, amid economic strain.
Speaking on Monday at State House while meeting a delegation from Tharaka Nithi County, the President said that he has all that it takes to lead the country to the next level.
“I have combined all my predecessors. I have the courage of Jomo, I have the understanding of Moi, I have the education of Kibaki, and I have the plan we shared with Uhuru Kenyatta,” he said.
“I have no excuse but to do everything that needs to be done in this nation.”
Ruto said he is determined to fulfil his mission to transform key sectors of the economy, including agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, and macroeconomic stability.
“From transforming agriculture to stabilising the economy, transforming our health sector, infrastructure development, that is the assignment I have, and I must do it.”
Ruto has often styled himself as a transformative leader focused on long-term reforms, saying his administration has rolled out major initiatives, seeking to empower farmers, digitise government services, expand universal healthcare, and attract both foreign and local investment.
But his government has faced criticism, mostly over high taxation, cost of living, and perceived authoritarianism in the wake of recent youth-led protests against the now-withdrawn Finance Bill 2024.
The President acknowledged the opposition but dismissed the critics as distractions.
“You can see naysayers trying to make noise to distract me, but I don’t have time for that. We need to plan for this country so that this country can progress,” he said, calling on Kenyans to support him in prayer to deliver his mission.
He appealed for unity and patience. “(Nataka mniombee) I want you to pray for me and assist so that we transform this country. This country cannot change in other ways; it requires a plan,” he added.
