President William Ruto has strongly pushed back against remarks made by former Chief Justice David Maraga, who recently warned that Kenya risks becoming a failed state due to its deepening political and economic woes.
Speaking at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), President Ruto dismissed Maraga’s comments as misplaced and unpatriotic. Without naming him directly, Ruto said, “I listened to one gentleman who retired the other day after working for 40-50 years, and wants to be president… saying Kenya is a failed state. So for 40 years, you have been working in a failed state, and now you want to be president of a failed state?”
Maraga, during a July 21 interview with K24, had painted a grim picture of the country’s trajectory, citing political instability, economic hardships, and a government he accused of eroding democratic values especially in its response to recent anti-government protests.
But Ruto struck a sharply different tone. He insisted that Kenya is a resilient and ambitious nation that has made significant strides across multiple sectors. “Kenya is a great nation, and we all have a duty and responsibility to make it even greater,” he said.
Highlighting successful institutions as evidence of the country’s strength, the President pointed to companies such as Liaison Group, Linzi FinCo, and the Nairobi Securities Exchange, which was recently recognized as the best in Africa. “Entities like these do not exist in failed states,” Ruto argued, suggesting that such achievements underscore Kenya’s enduring potential.
He also challenged the motive behind Maraga’s remarks, questioning why someone who “doesn’t believe in Kenya” would seek leadership. “Why would you want to be entrusted with the leadership of a country you don’t believe in?” he asked.
Ruto called on leaders and citizens alike to embrace a spirit of collaboration and optimism in building the country’s future. As political temperatures rise ahead of the 2027 elections, the verbal exchange signals a deepening rift between the government and prominent figures questioning its direction.
