Development, not insults, will win elections – President Ruto
He said Kenyans will choose leaders based on the work they have done and not on the level of criticism they direct at others.
President William Ruto has told the opposition that insults will not win them votes in the 2027 general elections.
He said Kenyans will choose leaders based on the work they have done and not on the level of criticism they direct at others.
Speaking on Friday during an inspection tour of the Galana Kulalu Irrigation Project, Ruto said that when the time for elections comes, citizens will judge leaders by their actions and development record.
"Utakuja wakati wa uchaguzi na nyinyi wananchi ni mafundi wa kura, nyinyi ndio mtajua na siku hiyo hakuna mtu atapata kura kwa sababu alikuwa na matusi mengi. Mtu atapewa kura kwa sababu kuna kazi amefanya na inaonekana na wananchi. Wakati huo tutashughulika na siasa. Wakati huu tushugulikie maendeleo. Katika umoja unapatika maendeleo ya wananchi," Ruto said.
This loosely translates to, "There will come an election time and you citizens are the experts of the vote, you are the ones who will know, and on that day no one will get a vote because they had many insults. A person will be voted for because there is work he has done, and it is seen by the citizens. At that time, we will deal with politics. This time, let us deal with development. In unity, the development of the citizens is achieved."
Ruto said his main focus is on development projects that will benefit the people, and that politics will have its time. He added that in unity, there is growth and called on Kenyans to stay united.
"The President said that he is currently focused on the development of the country for the good of all Kenyans. He added that politics has its time, and when it comes, he will move to politicking. The Head of State reiterated that in unity there is prosperity and called on all Kenyans to remain united," read part of the official communication.
His remarks come as the opposition continues to criticise the government from various angles, with pressure mounting over key issues.
At the same time, opposition leaders have been working to bring their teams together ahead of the 2027 election.
On Thursday, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced the formation of his new political party, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), and named its interim officials.
The party is seen as part of wider moves to reshape political groupings ahead of the next polls.
