President William Ruto has firmly rejected mounting opposition criticism of his administration, vowing to stay the course on key reforms despite growing public discontent. Speaking during a Sunday church service in Makadara, Nairobi, the Head of State said he would not be distracted by what he termed as “empty rhetoric” from political rivals.
“I am committed, I am determined, I am focused, and no amount of intimidation and name-calling is going to change my course,” said Ruto. “I have enough time to do that. This country is going to change before our very eyes.”
The President underscored his commitment to transforming Kenya through flagship policies such as affordable housing and universal health coverage. He said that while resistance to reforms is expected, it would not derail his development agenda.
“It is God who gave me this job—the opportunity to lead and serve Kenya. He also gave me the assignment to transform this nation, and I will see it through,” he said, insisting that the housing programme was a long-overdue solution to urban housing challenges.
The remarks come at a time when Ruto’s affordable housing initiative faces fierce opposition. Critics, led by opposition leaders and some former allies, argue that the mandatory 1.5% housing levy deducted from salaried Kenyans is unfair and burdensome, especially in the absence of guarantees for home ownership.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly opposed the programme, declaring that the housing levy would be abolished if the opposition forms the next government in 2027. “Once a new government is sworn in, that housing levy will have to be abolished to restore the payslip’s dignity,” he said.
Despite the backlash, President Ruto remains undeterred, framing his mission as divinely ordained and essential to Kenya’s progress. His message: he will push on with his reforms regardless of the noise. As the 2027 elections approach, the debate over housing and tax policies is poised to remain a central political battleground.
