Raila would do what I'm doing if he became President – Ruto

President William Ruto/SCREENGRAB

President William Ruto now says that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga would have implemented the same reforms he has brought about should he have become President in 2022.

Speaking during a joint parliamentary group meeting on Monday, August 18, Ruto said that he is certain of it because their manifestos were similar in many ways.

He said Raila would also experience the same challenges he has faced, including becoming unpopular among the people.

The president, however, defended the decisions, saying that they are necessary for the transformation of Kenya.

He added that it is the reason Raila has been bold in calling out Members of Parliament over graft and extortion.

“Yes, he would be implementing SHA, and he would be implementing housing. He would be doing reforms in education. He would be doing reforms in agriculture. I know that for a fact, because I have been on his side; that's the correct position, and he would be as unpopular, or as he'd be having the same difficulties that I have today, but these are necessary for Kenya to change, friends.

“We cannot change the country otherwise, and that is why he has the courage to stand here and tell you, let us stop the extortion,” Ruto said.

The head of state also acknowledged that the challenges he faces today are self-imposed and that had he not taken that direction, he would be very popular.

Ruto, however, said that had he not chosen that, the country would have nothing in the end.

“I have said that the difficulties that I face today, as attested in Kenya, are self-imposed. Implementing the new funding model. Implementing housing, doing all those things—if I hadn't done any of those, I would be a very popular person, but the country would not have anything.”

He said very few leaders have been able to stand criticism, and one of them is Raila Odinga, who he is very grateful for.