President William Ruto addresses guests at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, July 21 /PCS
President William Ruto on Tuesday challenged leaders whom he accused of lacking the drive and determination to transform the country to exit the political stage.
Ruto said those who have lost the energy to deliver should step aside instead of holding Kenya back.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, the President appeared to direct his remarks at opposition leaders and other critics whom he said had become accustomed to explaining why change is impossible instead of working towards solutions.
Ruto said Kenya's progress depends on leaders who believe in the country's potential and are prepared to push reforms despite challenges.
He argued that many people in leadership positions have adopted a defeatist attitude by constantly pointing to past failures rather than finding ways to succeed.
"We must believe in ourselves, you know, we must believe," the President said, stressing that confidence in the country's ability to develop is essential for national transformation.
He lamented that some leaders spend their time telling Kenyans that certain initiatives cannot succeed because similar attempts had previously failed.
"The challenge that I come across with many people in leadership positions is that they have given up. They are just there telling us how impossible things are, how others have tried and failed, how this has been tried and failed," he said.
Questioning the relevance of such leaders, Ruto said they should leave office if they no longer have the motivation to move the country forward.
"So what the hell are you doing if you have no energy to move things to the next level? Please exit, get out of the way, you're causing a jam," the President declared.
He added that leaders who lack the determination to drive development become obstacles rather than assets.
"If you have no energy to move anything anywhere, you're just a stumbling block," Ruto said, insisting that leadership requires commitment, vision and action.
The President urged Kenyans to remain optimistic about the country's future, saying the nation should aspire to achieve the standards of developed countries rather than settle for mediocrity.
"We must believe in ourselves, and we must believe in a greater Kenya than the one we have today," he said.
Expressing confidence in his vision for the country, Ruto concluded by saying he remains convinced that Kenya has the capacity to become a first-world nation if leaders and citizens commit themselves to that goal.
"I am so persuaded about a first-world country that is Kenya that we must do everything and anything to get ourselves going," the President said.
