President William Ruto has ruled out handing over power to what he termed as “individuals with no plan” for the country, renewing tensions within Kenya’s political class.
Speaking on Sunday, June 15, the head of state accused the opposition of lacking a tangible development agenda.
“Those other people have no plan, and we cannot hand over to people who have no plan. Their plan is simply ‘Ruto Must Go’. How will that help?” Ruto posed. “They have no idea how youth will get jobs, how agriculture will grow, or how education will be improved.”
The remarks triggered swift responses from political rivals, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who invoked constitutional law in his rebuttal.
“I have heard Ruto say he won’t hand over if he loses. He has done well to admit he is going to lose,” Gachagua said.
“But let him be reminded: there’s no clause in the constitution that gives him discretion to hand over. There’s only an assumption of office. The new president doesn’t need your permission.”
The exchange marks a sharp escalation in political rhetoric as Kenya edges closer to the 2027 general election, with tensions already simmering between Kenya Kwanza leaders and opposition figures.
Earlier this year, Ruto publicly criticized Gachagua during a visit to Kakamega County, accusing him of promoting ethnic division and political mischief.
“There are people competing with us through tribalism and hate. That’s not leadership — that’s stupidity,” Ruto said on January 20, in remarks widely seen as directed at his former deputy.
