Ruto: I did not make promises just to win elections, I intend to fulfil th

President William Ruto speaks during the 2026 Annual National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi on May 28, 2026. /PCS

President William Ruto has defended the promises he made during the 2022 General Election campaign, saying they were not merely political statements aimed at securing votes but commitments intended to transform the country.

Speaking on Thursday during the Annual National Prayer Breakfast in Nairobi, Ruto said he remains fully committed to implementing the pledges contained in his Kenya Kwanza manifesto despite growing public scrutiny over the pace of delivery in some sectors.

The President reflected on the period immediately after his election and recalled how some people doubted whether the promises made during the campaign could realistically be achieved.

“I remember when I ran for president, I made many promises. They are in a manifesto,” Ruto said.

He recounted a conversation with a bishop shortly after the election, saying the cleric had suggested that politicians often make promises during campaigns without necessarily intending to fulfil them once elected.

“After the elections, one bishop said, ‘We know you have made all these promises and we know they are impossible. Do not push yourself too hard,’” the President said.

Ruto said he understood why many Kenyans and leaders often become sceptical about political pledges, noting that broken promises have become common in politics over the years.

“I do not take offence with that bishop. It is the normal course of things,” he said.

The President, however, insisted that the commitments he made during the campaigns were deliberate and anchored on a long-term plan for national transformation.

“But the commitments I made to the people of this nation were not for purposes of winning the election,” Ruto said.

“They were for transforming our nation and I have every intention to make sure that I keep every commitment I make.”

Ruto told the gathering that his administration had already made significant progress in implementing various programmes across government sectors since taking office in 2022.

“Why? Because I believe in God and I believe in this great nation called Kenya,” he said.

“And today I can stand before the people of Kenya and say we have made huge progress.”

The President briefly paused during his remarks before repeating part of the statement as he emphasised what he described as visible gains made under his administration.

His remarks come at a time when the government continues to face criticism from sections of Kenyans over the rising cost of living, unemployment and the pace of economic reforms.

The Kenya Kwanza administration has repeatedly defended its economic policies, arguing that some reforms require time to produce long-term results.

During the prayer breakfast, speakers largely focused on themes of governance, leadership, reconciliation and national unity ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The Annual National Prayer Breakfast brought together political leaders, members of the clergy, diplomats and invited guests for prayers and reflections on the state of the country.