NAIROBI, Kenya – President Ruto has defended his decision to host village elders from across the country at State House, dismissing criticism that opening the official residence to ordinary citizens diminishes its prestige.
Speaking on Tuesday while hosting the elders at State House, Nairobi, Ruto said the initiative was intended to affirm the dignity of Kenyan citizens by allowing them to visit what he described as a national symbol that belongs to all Kenyans.
“Inviting you to State House is not undervaluing it as critics say; it is basically upholding your dignity as humans and leaders in this nation,” the President said.
“I want to welcome all of you at State House, Nairobi. I know some of you are here for the first time. I welcome you here. I am very happy to welcome you.”
The President said State House has welcomed a broad range of guests during his tenure, including foreign heads of state, monarchs and senior government officials, adding that village elders deserved the same recognition.
“At State House, I have received so many guests. I have hosted kings, presidents and leaders of all cadres. Today, I am happy to have village elders,” he said.
Ruto revisited criticism that followed his decision to regularly host grassroots groups at State House, saying some critics had accused him of lowering the stature of the institution by making it accessible to ordinary citizens.
“Sometimes back, there were those who told me that I have downgraded the status of State House, that even common people have access,” he said.
According to the President, critics argued that the official residence should remain reserved for high-ranking political leaders, diplomats and visiting heads of state.
“They said State House should be a place for kings, presidents, ministers and diplomats,” he added.
Ruto maintained that his approach was aimed at strengthening, rather than weakening, the institution by making it more accessible to the people it serves.
“I answered them and said I did not lower the status of State House but uplifted the respect of the Kenyan people. They too should be given the opportunity to visit State House and understand it is their home,” he said.
The President has in recent months hosted a wide variety of delegations at State House, including religious leaders, professionals, youth groups, community representatives, political leaders and grassroots organisations.
Supporters of the initiative argue that it promotes inclusivity and brings citizens closer to government institutions by allowing them direct engagement with the Presidency.
However, the practice has also attracted criticism from sections of the opposition and governance advocates, who argue that State House should primarily be reserved for official state functions and matters of national importance.
Critics have also questioned whether some meetings involving regional and community delegations amount to political mobilisation after participants publicly endorsed the President and his administration following the engagements.
Despite the criticism, Ruto indicated that he intends to continue welcoming ordinary Kenyans to State House, insisting that the institution belongs to all citizens regardless of their social or political status.
