Aasai

Thirdway Alliance Party Leader Dr. Ekuru Aukot has delivered a scathing critique of President William Ruto’s leadership, declaring that Kenya’s stability and future are not hinged on the presidency of one man. Speaking during a televised interview on Thursday, July 24, 2025, Aukot dismissed any notion that President Ruto is irreplaceable, insisting that Kenya is a resilient nation guided by institutions and the will of the people — not a single leader.

"Kenya will not collapse if Ruto is not the President," Aukot stated firmly. "We must stop acting like this country’s existence depends on one individual. That kind of thinking is dangerous for democracy and national progress." His comments came amid growing calls for President Ruto’s resignation, with ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna having recently said that removing Ruto was a national imperative ahead of the 2027 elections.

Aukot’s remarks add to the growing chorus of dissatisfaction and disillusionment among Kenyans, especially with the government’s handling of governance, economic hardships, and human rights violations. He accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of presiding over a regime that has not only failed to protect its citizens but also reneged on campaign promises, particularly on youth employment, the cost of living, and ending corruption.

"The people in government today must account to us as the people of Kenya," Aukot declared. "They have failed in nearly every promise they made — from creating jobs to fighting corruption. Instead, we are witnessing a government more focused on self-preservation than service delivery."

He also targeted ODM for what he called political hypocrisy, criticizing leaders such as Uriri MP Mark Nyamita who have defended ODM’s cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza government. According to Aukot, ODM — once seen as the embodiment of the struggle for democracy, justice, and human rights — is now entangled in power games and complicit in the state’s failures.

“For the longest time, ODM stood for change and the defense of civil liberties. But today, you are associated with abductions, killings, and repression,” he said. “You cannot claim the violence didn’t start with Ruto and use that as an excuse to stay silent. You e now part of the system, and that makes you accountable too.”

Aukot did not hold back when addressing President Ruto’s legacy. He challenged those praising the Head of State to point out any real transformation he has brought to the nation. Instead, Aukot argued, Rutos name remains entangled in corruption scandals, the shadow of the 2007 post-election violence, and past International Criminal Court (ICC) proceedings.

“What can we honestly celebrate about President Ruto’s leadership?” Aukot questioned. “Other than broken promises and growing public anger, what legacy does he leave behind? This country deserves better than recycled leadership built on propaganda and fear.”

In a direct appeal to the electorate, Aukot urged Kenyans to rise above emotional and tribal-based politics and focus on integrity, performance, and accountability as the primary yardsticks for choosing leaders in the upcoming 2027 elections.

“There will be no room for sentiment in 2027,” he concluded. “This next election is not about loyalty to political dynasties or tribes — it’s about rescuing this nation from incompetence and deceit. We need leaders with integrity, not just rhetoric.”