NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has launched a sharp critique of Kenya’s opposition, accusing them of “dragging” the country backward and clinging to what he calls a “poverty mindset” that undermines his government’s development agenda.
Speaking on Monday, the President rejected what he termed fatalistic politics, arguing that Kenya must break free from outdated narratives to achieve his goal of transitioning the nation from a “Third-World” status to a developed economy.
“Kenya will not move forward if we are held back by pessimism and populism,” Ruto told a gathering of supporters, emphasising that the country must shift from offering hand-outs to building wealth creation.
He specifically called on opposition leaders to stop what he characterised as “regressive politics” that focus on street protests and fault-finding rather than solutions and added value.
Though he did not mention names, his remarks appeared directed at party figures he accused of mobilising against the government instead of cooperating on national growth.
Political analysts say Ruto’s tone signals a strategic effort to frame the 2027 general elections as a choice between progress and obstruction.
By positioning his ruling coalition as the path to development and casting the opposition as a drag on prosperity, Ruto appears to be setting the terms for the next electoral cycle.
However, critics of the government say the firing of warning comes amid questions over rising costs of living, youth unemployment, and the handling of the recent protests against the Finance Bill 2024.
They argue that Ruto’s framing could polarise national discourse and deepen political divisions.
As Kenya heads into a critical phase of national transformation, the President’s message keeps the spotlight on the opposition’s role—not just as adversaries in the 2027 race, but as key players (or blockers) in Kenya’s wider economic journey.
