President William Ruto has dismissed criticism from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, insisting that his administration is firmly on track to transform Kenya from a Third World nation into a developed country.
The President said those doubting his vision lack both a plan and the ambition required to steer the country towards meaningful progress.
Speaking in Samburu East Constituency, where he laid the foundation stone for the Archer’s Post Affordable Housing Project, Ruto said Kenya’s transformation will be driven by unity, focus, and the determination of its people.
He accused his critics of dismissing his agenda without offering alternative ideas.
“I hear from those people who have no plans for the country, have no agenda, no manifesto that Kenya cannot move from Third World to First World,” Ruto said.
He added that the opposition did not believe his earlier promises on development and now do not believe the country can make a major economic leap.
“We are going to shock you, we are going to surprise you because Kenya, in our lifetime, is going to move from a Third World to First World country,” he declared.
The President said his administration has the plan, vision, and resources to drive that change.
“You are the same people who said we cannot lower the cost of living, improve education and provide better healthcare,” he said.
His remarks came just a day after Gachagua strongly criticised the President’s pledge to elevate Kenya to First World status.
Speaking during a service at PCEA Kayole in Embakasi Central, Gachagua said the country is headed in the opposite direction and lacks the fundamentals needed for such a transformation.
He argued that the President’s target, achieving First World status within 20 to 30 years, is unrealistic given the current state of governance and key sectors.
Gachagua cited the strained education system, struggling healthcare services, and a harsh business environment as evidence that Kenya is drifting further from, not closer to, the milestones required for high-income status.
He reminded congregants that Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi recently warned the government may be unable to continue funding free secondary education from January due to budget pressures.
According to him, such warnings point to deeper structural challenges.
The former Deputy President said his criticism was not motivated by resentment, but by responsibility.
He said he and like-minded leaders would push for political change to ensure the country is set on what he described as a more realistic path.
“I have no hard feelings or ill intentions against anyone, but I have to do the right thing. Together with other leaders we will liberate this country,” he said.
