President William Ruto addressing chiefs at the State House on December 2, 2025/ PCS
President William Ruto on Tuesday
dismissed claims that he intends to rule Kenya for 20 years, saying his focus
is on transforming the country.
Speaking during the submission of
the Jukwaa la Usalama Report and
a meeting with chiefs at State House,
Ruto said some people had misinterpreted his earlier statements.
“I said I will transform the country
into first world class, and this will happen in the next 20 years, and some
people thought I was saying I will rule for 20 years,” he said.
“Do you think I'm mad? Do people
think being a president is easy? Being criticised daily? I am waiting for the
day I will finish my term and let someone else take the mantle.”
He added, “God willing, I will work
on what I can. I have no interest in staying here.”
Ruto’s remarks come amid speculation
and debate over his political ambitions, clarifying that his vision is for
national development rather than prolonged tenure in office.
In September 2025, Ruto said Kenya has the potential to attain first-world
status in the next two decades if citizens unite and focus on productivity.
“We can be a first-world country in the next 20 years if we do the right
things, and I speak as the leader of this nation today. I want to ask the
citizens of the Republic of Kenya: there is absolutely no reason why we are in
the third world,” Ruto said.
Saying the country’s challenges stem not from a lack of resources but from
internal divisions such as hatred, tribalism and empty politics, he urged
Kenyans to “tuwache chuki, ukabila, tuwache siasa ya bure na tupange kazi
yetu sawasawa.”
On November 30, the President
reiterated the statement, saying that in the next three decades, Kenya could be a first-world nation.
“I have no doubt in my mind that it is possible to move Kenya from a
third-world country to a first-world country before I die. By the time I get to
90, Kenya should be a first-world country. It’s possible. Others have done it,”
he said.
“Who says Kenya cannot move from a third world to a first world in 30 years?
We can do it. Believe me, we will do it. Let’s trust God. Let us believe in
ourselves.”
Ruto pointed to recent infrastructure achievements, including the launch of
a 175-kilometre Rironi-Nakuru-Mau summit express highway stretch that is
expected to unlock trade and networking.
He added that the government planned to roll out at least four more major
infrastructure projects next year as part of a broader development agenda.
The statements, he said, were, however, taken out of context, adding that he did not mean that he would still be at the top office then.
