Ruto Criticises Opposition Over ‘Empty Rhetoric’, Urges Focus on National Development
He urged his critics to prioritise issues that affect ordinary Kenyans, such as employment, agriculture, education, and healthcare.
President William Ruto addresses a congregation in Lugari, Kakamega County, where he criticised opposition leaders for lacking a clear development agenda, on June 16, 2025. Photo/The Standard Kenya.
By Robert Assad
President William Ruto has hit out at opposition leaders, accusing them of lacking a clear development agenda and instead focusing on divisive political slogans that offer no meaningful solutions to Kenya’s challenges.
Speaking during a church service in Lugari, Kakamega County on Sunday, the Head of State dismissed the popular opposition slogan “Ruto must go” as baseless and unhelpful.
He urged his critics to prioritise issues that affect ordinary Kenyans, such as employment, agriculture, education, and healthcare.“These other people have no plan,” Ruto said. “We cannot hand over leadership to people who have no plan. Their so-called plan is just ‘Ruto must go’ — how will that help you?”
He went on to criticise the opposition for failing to provide viable alternatives on key national issues. “You don’t know how our youth will get jobs, how agriculture will progress, or how children will go to school. You have no plan to do anything,” he added.
In a more personal jab, Ruto said some of his opponents appear bitter and confrontational. “They speak with so much anger, as if someone wronged them. If they have issues with me, they should leave Kenyans alone and come face me directly. I’ll deal with them,” he said.
Ruto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering on its promises, particularly around empowering the youth, boosting agricultural productivity, and ensuring access to quality education and healthcare.“The important thing is how the youth will find jobs, how agriculture will create livelihoods, how our children will learn, and how we can access proper medical care. That is what matters to Kenyans,” he said.
The President’s remarks come amid heightened political tension and renewed efforts by sections of the opposition, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, to push for a single-term presidency for Ruto.
Ruto was accompanied by key political allies during the visit, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, and Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka.
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