The Kenyan government has strongly defended President William Ruto against a critical editorial by The Economist, which accused him of abandoning his campaign promises, turning to authoritarianism, and mishandling national protests.

The article, titled William Ruto is taking Kenya to a dangerous place and published on July 3, painted a bleak picture of Ruto’s leadership, citing public unrest, police brutality, economic struggles, and corruption.

It referenced the June 25 protests that left several people dead and disrupted international businesses in Kenya, suggesting that Ruto’s leadership posed a growing risk to the country’s future.

In a sharp rebuke, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed questioned the authority of the British publication to comment on Kenya’s electoral decisions.

“What do you mean by saying President Ruto’s image is 'tainted' and he should not seek re-election? Shouldn’t the voters, not The Economist, make that decision at the next election?” Mohamed said in a statement later published by the magazine.

The editorial had warned that Ruto should not seek a second term in 2027, saying doing so would take the country further down a dangerous path.

It dismissed his chances of reforming the system, stating his reputation was already damaged.

However, Mohamed defended Ruto’s record, saying the President was implementing bold and necessary reforms to secure Kenya’s long-term growth.

He highlighted key economic indicators showing improvements since Ruto took office.

“Since August 2022, Kenya has recorded an average annual GDP growth rate of five per cent, outperforming the global average of 3.3 per cent and the regional average of 3.8 per cent. Inflation, which stood at 9.6 per cent in October 2022, fell sharply to 3.8 per cent by May 2025, well below the Central Bank of Kenya’s five per cent target, bringing relief to millions of households,” he said.

Mohamed also addressed claims that international firms were exiting Kenya, stating that companies such as BUPA Global, Africa Speciality Risk, Lloyd’s, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development had announced plans to open offices in Nairobi.

On the issue of protests, Mohamed acknowledged that demonstrations are allowed under the Constitution but warned that violence, destruction of property, and attacks on police posts had been reported in recent weeks.

“The right to protest must not infringe on the rights of others. In any functioning democracy, that is always a difficult balance to strike,” he said.

President Ruto has confirmed that he will run for re-election in 2027, saying his record in office gives him the confidence to seek a second term.

He dismissed critics, including his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, saying they had little to offer Kenyans.