RUTO SPEAKS ON RULING FOR 20 YRS

President William Ruto on Tuesday firmly dismissed suggestions that he intends to hold on to power beyond the constitutional limit, saying his long-term development vision has been deliberately misinterpreted.

Speaking at State House during the submission of the Jukwaa la Usalama Report and a meeting with chiefs, the President said his comments on a 20-year transformation plan had been twisted into claims that he wanted to rule for 20 years.

“I said I will transform the country into first world class, and this will happen in the next 20 years, and some people thought I was saying I will rule for 20 years,” he said.

“Do you think I'm mad? Do people think being a president is easy? Being criticised daily? I am waiting for the day I will finish my term and let someone else take the mantle.”

He added, “God willing, I will work on what I can. I have no interest in staying here.”

The remarks come amid renewed debate about proposals floated by some politicians and business leaders — including suggestions for a seven-year term or even extending the presidency beyond two terms. A recent comment by Devki chairman Narendra Raval in Uganda, urging Ruto to stay in office for two decades, triggered fresh online discussions and political reactions.

Ruto distanced himself from those calls, stressing that national progress does not require a President to rule indefinitely.

He further insisted that his message has consistently been about development, not personal power. He said Kenya could become a first-world nation within the next two to three decades if citizens embrace unity, productivity and disciplined governance.

“We can be a first-world country in the next 20 years if we do the right things… there is absolutely no reason why we are in the third world,” he quoted on September, urging the public to reject hatred and disunity.

“Tuwache chuki, ukabila, tuwache siasa ya bure na tupange kazi yetu sawasawa,” he added.

The President doubled down on his long-term vision in another speech on November 30.

“I have no doubt in my mind that it is possible to move Kenya from a third-world country to a first-world country before I die. By the time I get to 90, Kenya should be a first-world country. It’s possible. Others have done it,” he said.

“Who says Kenya cannot move from a third world to a first world in 30 years? We can do it. Believe me, we will do it. Let’s trust God. Let us believe in ourselves.”

As part of that vision, Ruto highlighted ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects, including the 175-kilometre Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit highway. He said the government plans at least four new major projects next year to accelerate economic growth.

The President also used the meeting to emphasize reforms in the security sector under the Jukwaa la Usalama framework, calling for professionalism, multi-agency collaboration and enhanced community policing.

Despite calls from some allies for an extended presidential term, Ruto maintained that he has no intention of overstaying in office.