NAIROBI, Kenya – Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has criticized President William Ruto for blaming Kenyan leaders for engaging in continuous election campaigns instead of governing.
In a rebuttal, Sifuna accused Ruto of being the biggest culprit of early campaigning, pointing out that the President himself was in constant campaign mode throughout his tenure as Deputy President.
“Ruto campaigned 9 out of the 10 years he was Uhuru’s deputy. He has already embarked on campaigns for 2027. He can’t speak on early campaigns,” Sifuna posted on X.
Ruto campaigned 9 out of the 10 years he was Uhuru’s deputy. He has already embarked on campaigns for 2027. He has no moral standing to speak on early campaigns.
Ruto made the remarks while addressing elected and grassroots leaders in Mandera County on Tuesday night, where he decried the culture of endless political campaigns in Kenya.
The President argued that leaders should focus on governance rather than perpetual electioneering, stating that there is a clear distinction between leadership and politics.
“The problem is not the citizens of Kenya but the leadership. Instead of leading, they are constantly seeking votes. How can you campaign forever? Everything you do revolves around elections,” Ruto said.
The President is currently on a three-day development tour of the Northeastern region alongside Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
During his address, he emphasized that his focus is on leading the country and warned politicians against premature campaigns, reminding them that the next election is still two years away.