Written by Lisa Murimi
President William Ruto has sharply criticised former Chief Justice David Maraga over remarks suggesting that Kenya is on the brink of becoming a failed state, calling the claims misleading and dismissive of the country’s resilience.
Speaking at a bell-ringing ceremony at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Ruto questioned how Maraga—who served in senior public roles for decades—could now undermine the very institutions he once led.
“I listened to one gentleman who retired the other day after working for 50 years and now wants to be president,” Ruto said, referencing Maraga.
“I hear him say Kenya is a failed state. I ask myself: has he been working in a failed state for 40 years?”
Maraga had made the remarks during a televised interview on July 21, where he warned that Kenya was “sliding into a failed state” due to deepening political unrest and economic strain.
He pointed to the government’s response to protests and alleged erosion of democratic freedoms.
But President Ruto firmly rejected those claims, insisting that despite challenges, Kenya remains “a progressing, resilient nation.”
He urged the opposition to offer concrete alternatives rather than “slogans and fear-mongering.”
“If you have a better plan for the economy, jobs, health or education, then say it. We cannot replace a plan you don’t like with nothing,” he stated.
The President acknowledged public frustration but defended his administration’s reforms and economic agenda, including new IPO listings and infrastructure investments.
While recognising that leadership is temporary, Ruto questioned the rationale behind calls for his removal.
“My time will come and I will go,” he said. “But respectfully, what are your reasons? I’m sure it’s not because of how my name is spelt.”
The political exchange signals rising tensions as the country inches toward the 2027 elections.
