President William Ruto on Sunday launched a spirited defense of his administration’s track record, vowing to fulfill all his campaign pledges despite mounting public pressure and growing discontent across the country.
Speaking during the installation of Reverend Benjamin Kalanzo at AIC Bomani Church in Machakos County, the President struck a combative tone, dismissing critics who have accused him of overpromising and underdelivering.
“A lot of people have become doubting Thomases. They say we lied. But those saying Ruto overpromised. I will shame them,” said the President. “They will realise they were ignorant.”
Ruto’s remarks come at a time of heightened public scrutiny over his administration’s ambitious promises, ranging from the construction of 250,000 affordable housing units annually to comprehensive healthcare reform, nationwide electrification, and major agricultural and water projects.
Many have questioned the feasibility and funding behind these programmes amid a growing debt burden and economic strain.
In a bid to assure the Ukambani region of his commitment, the President announced a development tour of the region in August, and used the occasion to reaffirm his intent to deliver on every campaign pledge before the end of his term.
“This is not overpromising. It is about raising national ambition. We’ve settled for average for too long. I intend to keep every promise,” he said.
Ruto also highlighted what he called significant gains under his leadership, citing increased agricultural output, expanded job creation, and a USD 1 billion boost in diaspora remittances, largely due to the export of 400,000 Kenyan workers abroad.
He further warned county governments against charging patients in public hospitals, insisting that under the newly introduced Social Health Authority (SHA), treatment at level 2, 3, and 4 hospitals must be free.
On the growing wave of youth-led protests, the President held firm. Addressing the fallout from recent Gen Z demonstrations that left dozens dead, he appeared unapologetic, blaming the unrest on “poor parenting” and “political incitement.”
“The police are trained to deal with criminals, not to parent. So if you surrender your children to the police, what do you expect?” he asked.
Ruto’s recent comments calling for police to shoot protesters in the legs have sparked international outcry, with human rights groups condemning the rhetoric and demanding accountability for the deaths during the July 7 Saba Saba protests.
Still, the president doubled down on Sunday, urging parents, churches, and the wider community to instil discipline in the youth.
“Raising the next generation is a collective responsibility. Do not surrender your child to the streets. Mentor them. That’s not the job of the police,” he said.
Despite growing opposition calls and increasing pressure from a disillusioned public, Ruto insists he will not be deterred. His message: the promises stand — and so does he.
