President William Ruto has issued a firm rebuttal to his critics, saying he will not be intimidated as he continues to steer the country’s development agenda. Speaking during the 10th Annual Dairy Farmers’ Field Day in Meru County on Saturday, Ruto underlined his resilience and commitment to transforming Kenya, especially in agriculture and education.
Ruto brushed off threats and criticism from political opponents, saying his long-standing experience in politics had taught him to focus on work, not propaganda. “Nimekuwa kwa hii siasa kwa muda mwingi… Mimi siwezi kutishwa na mtu. Watafute mtu mwingine wa kutisha,” Ruto said defiantly.
The Head of State took issue with the recent “Ruto Must Go” chants that have echoed in anti-government protests, accusing the opposition of lacking viable alternatives. “Porojo, propaganda tu… Ukiwauliza mpango yao kwa wakulima ni gani, wanasema Kasongo. Mpango ya kusomesha watoto? Wanasema Ruto must go,” he remarked, ridiculing what he called empty rhetoric.
President Ruto also lauded his current Deputy President, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, describing him as a focused leader who understands government work. This was interpreted as a swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached in October 2024. “At least for the first time, niko na mtu ambaye anaelewa kazi inaendelea namna gani,” Ruto said of Kindiki.
Despite the political undercurrents, Ruto emphasized the importance of unity, pointing to the inclusion of former opposition leaders like Wycliffe Oparanya in his administration. Oparanya, a former Kakamega Governor, now serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and MSMEs Development.
“Mimi nakazana kuunganisha Kenya… Umoja ni muhimu kwa sababu tunajua umoja ni nguvu,” Ruto affirmed, saying national development hinges on collective effort.
As political temperatures rise, President Ruto’s message was clear he will not be derailed by opposition pressure and will continue pushing for policies aimed at improving livelihoods, especially for farmers and school-going children.
