Aasai

President William Ruto has broken his silence on mounting calls from sections of the opposition and protesting citizens demanding his resignation. In a firm and unapologetic response delivered during the bell-ringing ceremony for the Linzi asset-backed security at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) on Wednesday, Ruto challenged his critics to move beyond slogans and present well-thought-out solutions to Kenya’s challenges.

The President acknowledged that leadership is not permanent and affirmed that his term would eventually come to an end, just like his predecessors. However, he insisted that any leadership transition must be through a democratic and constitutional process—not through pressure from street protests or chants. “I heard some of our brothers and sisters chanting ‘Ruto must go.’ That’s fine, but leadership isn’t changed by slogans—it’s changed by ideas and plans,” Ruto said.

He questioned the basis of the opposition’s calls for his removal from office, pointing out that the protests lack a foundation in sound reasoning or a viable alternative vision. “For sure, I will go when my time is up. But please, those calling for my exit—why exactly do you want me gone? Is it my name you don’t like? Or do we simply disagree on policies?” he asked. The President emphasized that disagreement in policy is normal, but it should lead to constructive discourse, not agitation without direction.

Ruto criticized the opposition and sections of civil society for promoting populist narratives without offering substantive ideas that can improve the lives of Kenyans. He accused them of political opportunism, saying they thrive on emotions rather than evidence-based policy proposals. “If your plan for Kenya’s economy, jobs, healthcare, or education is better than mine, bring it forward. Let’s compare. But shouting ‘Ruto must go’ doesn’t build hospitals, create jobs, or lower the cost of living,” he said.

Defending his administration’s reforms, Ruto pointed to changes in the healthcare and housing sectors, which have sparked public debate and resistance. He said many critics want to cling to familiar, outdated systems that have failed Kenyans for decades. “They want us to go back to the old NHIF? That never worked. They want the old university funding model? That collapsed higher education. They want us to abandon the housing program? That means ignoring millions who need affordable housing,” he explained.

In a biting comparison, Ruto likened the opposition’s tactics to infamous “wash wash” scams—fraudulent operations that promise quick fixes but offer no real results. He said this kind of politics, driven by noise rather than solutions, is dishonest and dangerous for a country that needs economic recovery and stability. “This is not the time for gambling with emotions. Kenya needs serious thinking, not political con games,” he warned.

The Head of State also called on the country to engage in an honest, solution-oriented conversation about its future. He said his administration welcomes criticism, but only when it is accompanied by practical, better alternatives. “We must have a real conversation about where Kenya is going—not return to systems that never worked just because they are familiar,” Ruto stated.

He closed by challenging all political players—including those calling for his resignation—to participate in nation-building through ideas, not theatrics. “Let’s talk about the economy, health, education, housing, and jobs. That’s how you build a country—not with chants and slogans,” he concluded.

As protests continue across parts of the country over the high cost of living and unpopular government policies, the President’s remarks appear to signal a tougher stance—one that refuses to yield to street pressure but dares his opponents to meet him in the arena of ideas.