William Ruto Stands Firm on Development Agenda Despite Mounting Opposition

• Amid growing political criticism, President William Ruto reiterated his commitment to national transformation, focusing on affordable housing and universal health coverage
• Opposition leaders have condemned Ruto's administration for failing to address the rising cost of living and neglecting grassroots economic concerns
• Ruto defended his leadership, claiming his government is inclusive and broad-based, aiming to unite all communities and ensure no region is left behind in development

Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

As Kenya inches closer to the 2027 General Election, political temperatures continue to rise with leaders across the divide trading accusations over stalled development and governance failures.

President William Ruto has come under growing criticism from the opposition, who accuse his administration of failing to deliver on key campaign promises.

Among the key concerns raised are the rising cost of living, alleged slow progress in infrastructure, and what opposition leaders describe as lopsided appointments and exclusionary policies.

However, speaking during a service at the Church of Christ in Africa, Makadara in Nairobi on Sunday, June 8, 2025, Ruto maintained that he remains unshaken by political pressure.

Has Ruto transformed Kenya in any way?

He reiterated his commitment to transforming the country and delivering on his pledges, calling on Kenyans to remain united and focused on development.

“My mission is to unite all communities and ensure no region or person is left behind in development,” Ruto said. “We now have a broad-based government that reflects the face of Kenya and is inclusive of all political backgrounds.”

The president also highlighted the achievements of his administration, citing the Affordable Housing Programme, which he said has helped thousands of Kenyans move from informal settlements into decent, low-cost homes.

He further pointed to the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has enabled access to free healthcare services for hundreds of Kenyans.

“This country will change before our very eyes. That’s why some people are making noise, but I am focused. I have an assignment to transform this nation, and I will see it through,” Ruto stated, brushing off what he termed as distractions from political detractors.

Opposition figures have sharply criticised the administration for prioritising flagship projects while millions of Kenyans struggle with unemployment and economic hardship.

Still, Ruto remains defiant.

“The issues of universal health coverage and affordable housing have been key issues for over 30 years. Now is the time to implement them, and I am the one to do it,” the president said.

As the election season approaches, the widening political rift could reshape alliances and voter sentiments.

For now, Ruto appears set on defending his legacy by accelerating his key reforms—despite mounting scrutiny from the opposition.

"I am committed, I am determined, and I am focused on transforming Kenya. No amount of intimidation or name-calling is going to change my course because I have an assignment to transform Kenya," he stated.

What is the opposition's main agenda?

Meanwhile, former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua launched a scathing attack on Ruto during a public address, declaring that the most critical step for Kenya’s progress is the removal of the current head of state.

Addressing a charged crowd, Gachagua insisted that contrary to claims made by Ruto, the opposition does have a clear agenda—starting with ensuring the president does not secure a second term.

He criticised the president for attempting to define the opposition’s goals while, in his view, failing to address pressing national concerns.

Gachagua maintained that for Kenya to thrive, work to resume effectively, and national pride to be restored, Ruto must be voted out in 2027.

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke