Speaking during a church service in Kiambu, the president took aim at leaders who say his dream of turning Kenya into a highly developed nation is unrealistic.
While he did not mention Kalonzo by name at first, Ruto made it clear who he was referring to, saying some politicians who held powerful offices in the past failed to deliver meaningful change when they had the chance.
Ruto said it was misleading for such leaders to dismiss current development efforts as impossible.
According to him, those raising doubts are doing so because they never planned or completed serious projects during their time in government. He urged Kenyans to judge leaders by their records, not their speeches.
The president’s remarks come at a time when his administration is pushing an ambitious development agenda focused on infrastructure, economic growth, and long-term self-reliance.
Ruto has repeatedly said Kenya has what it takes to match fast-growing economies like Singapore if the country stays focused and disciplined.
During the Kiambu address, Ruto questioned why leaders who once served as ministers, members of parliament, and even vice presidents failed to transform their own regions.
During the Kiambu address, Ruto questioned why leaders who once served as ministers, members of parliament, and even vice presidents failed to transform their own regions.
He pointed to poor infrastructure in some opposition strongholds as proof that previous leaders did not prioritise development when they were in office.
“There are people who say our plans cannot work,” Ruto said. “But the truth is, they are saying so because they never achieved anything themselves. If someone could not even fix the road near their home, how can they convince Kenyans they understand national development?”
Ruto’s comments were widely seen as a direct response to Kalonzo and his allies in the opposition, who have accused the government of selling empty promises.
The opposition argues that the president’s plans are too expensive and not backed by a clear financial strategy, especially at a time when the country is facing economic pressure.
Kalonzo and other opposition leaders have claimed that the government lacks the budget to fund large-scale projects without pushing Kenya deeper into debt.
“There are people who say our plans cannot work,” Ruto said. “But the truth is, they are saying so because they never achieved anything themselves. If someone could not even fix the road near their home, how can they convince Kenyans they understand national development?”
Ruto’s comments were widely seen as a direct response to Kalonzo and his allies in the opposition, who have accused the government of selling empty promises.
The opposition argues that the president’s plans are too expensive and not backed by a clear financial strategy, especially at a time when the country is facing economic pressure.
Kalonzo and other opposition leaders have claimed that the government lacks the budget to fund large-scale projects without pushing Kenya deeper into debt.
They warn that ordinary citizens could end up paying the price through higher taxes and increased cost of living.
However, Ruto has rejected these claims, insisting that his administration is focused on using local resources, improving efficiency, and cutting waste. He says Kenya does not need to depend heavily on foreign loans if it manages its economy properly.
The president believes that Kenya is at a turning point and must think big. He often refers to countries in Asia that were once poor but transformed themselves within a few decades through strong leadership, planning, and hard work. In his view, Kenya can follow a similar path.
Ruto has also stressed that development under his leadership will be inclusive. He says government projects will reach all regions, regardless of how people voted in past elections. According to him, development is a national issue, not a political reward.
This message was also clear when he recently launched the Emali–Matiliku Road in Makueni County, a region considered a stronghold of Kalonzo. While addressing residents there, Ruto said no part of the country would be left behind simply because of political differences.
He told locals that roads, schools, water projects, and hospitals belong to all Kenyans, not to political parties. Ruto said his responsibility as president is to serve everyone and ensure balanced development across the country.
Kalonzo Musyoka has had a long political career spanning several decades. He served as a member of parliament for many years and held senior cabinet positions under past presidents, including portfolios such as foreign affairs, education, and tourism. He later became vice president following the 2007 elections.
Now in his early seventies, the Wiper Party leader has made it clear that he still has ambitions of leading the country. He has positioned himself as a key voice in the opposition, often challenging the government on governance, spending, and accountability.
However, Ruto has rejected these claims, insisting that his administration is focused on using local resources, improving efficiency, and cutting waste. He says Kenya does not need to depend heavily on foreign loans if it manages its economy properly.
The president believes that Kenya is at a turning point and must think big. He often refers to countries in Asia that were once poor but transformed themselves within a few decades through strong leadership, planning, and hard work. In his view, Kenya can follow a similar path.
Ruto has also stressed that development under his leadership will be inclusive. He says government projects will reach all regions, regardless of how people voted in past elections. According to him, development is a national issue, not a political reward.
This message was also clear when he recently launched the Emali–Matiliku Road in Makueni County, a region considered a stronghold of Kalonzo. While addressing residents there, Ruto said no part of the country would be left behind simply because of political differences.
He told locals that roads, schools, water projects, and hospitals belong to all Kenyans, not to political parties. Ruto said his responsibility as president is to serve everyone and ensure balanced development across the country.
Kalonzo Musyoka has had a long political career spanning several decades. He served as a member of parliament for many years and held senior cabinet positions under past presidents, including portfolios such as foreign affairs, education, and tourism. He later became vice president following the 2007 elections.
Now in his early seventies, the Wiper Party leader has made it clear that he still has ambitions of leading the country. He has positioned himself as a key voice in the opposition, often challenging the government on governance, spending, and accountability.
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