Nairobi, Kenya- President William Ruto is taking criticism in stride—and promising a little poetic justice while he’s at it.
During a Sunday service in Elgeyo Marakwet, the Head of State had a clear message for his vocal critics: laugh now, but the last laugh will be his.
Responding to the growing “uongo!” (lies) chants that have begun trailing some of his public speeches, Ruto insisted he isn’t fazed by the heckling or trending hashtags. In fact, he says, he plans to embarrass his detractors—by actually getting things done.
“I see some people saying I’m lying. I want to tell them: we’ll embarrass you soon,” Ruto said, adding, “I know what I’m doing. I’m not crazy. We’ll plan, and we’ll deliver.”
While the skeptics may be louder these days—both online and offline—Ruto made it clear he’s focused on fulfilling the mandate he believes was handed to him by Kenyans.
President William Ruto joined congregants of the African Inland Church in Kapng’etik, Elgeyo Marakwet County, for the Sunday service
Education, Farming, and Healthcare: Ruto’s “Watch This Space” Agenda
Beyond political jabs, the president outlined the pillars of his vision, placing education, agriculture, and healthcare squarely in the spotlight.
On education, Ruto pledged a major overhaul, promising reforms from junior school all the way to university to build a more competitive and skilled workforce. It’s part of his strategy to future-proof Kenya’s economy, he said, and respond to what he calls the “changing global order.”
In the same breath, he doubled down on reviving agriculture, a sector still reeling from years of drought, market instability, and underinvestment. The president promised new interventions aimed at making farming more profitable for ordinary Kenyans.
And yes—SHA is back in the headlines. Ruto once again defended his Social Health Authority (SHA) plan, which has stirred both support and controversy since launch.
While critics question the structure and sustainability of the new healthcare model, Ruto called it a bold move to make medical services more accessible and affordable for all.
Learn more about SHA and the government’s new healthcare initiatives.
“Ruto Must Go?” Been There, Heard That
If you thought the “Ruto must go” chants would rattle the president, think again. While attending the funeral of George Oduor—a longtime bodyguard to opposition leader Raila Odinga—Ruto took the opportunity to dismiss the trending calls as recycled political noise.
“I’ve heard this before—‘Moi must go,’ ‘Kibaki must go,’ and now it’s ‘Ruto must go.’ It’s just the usual chorus,” he said at Ramba High School in Siaya County.
He even joked about the colorful nicknames and online ridicule he’s received, noting that internet memes are not governance tools—and they won’t deter him from implementing his agenda.
For the president, the message is simple: Kenyans can keep chanting, but he’s going to keep working. Whether or not the results silence the critics is a story yet to be written.
