One term? God has given me a role to play, President Ruto says
President William Ruto, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja (left), Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi and her Dagoretti South counterpart John Kiarie during a church service at the United Pentecostal Church of Kenya, Dagoretti North, Nairobi.
President William Ruto has waded into the debate on the growing speculation on whether his presidency will be confined to a single term.
However, Dr Ruto left Kenyans guessing when said he became President against all odds when some people had ruled him out.
He made the remarks while addressing a congregation at the United Pentecostal Church of Kenya in Dagoretti North Constituency, Nairobi yesterday.
“Some people are talking about one term, two terms, and three terms. I want to tell them that back then, some people never imagined I would even have any term. By God’s grace, I have become the President of Kenya,” he said.
“I’m happy that the Lord has given me this opportunity to serve as the President of Kenya. I’m a very proud President of the Republic of Kenya. There’s a role God has given me to play. God has given me an opportunity to lead this nation and an assignment to transform Kenya and I have every intention to make sure that we transform our nation.”
His comments come days after his allies and Members of Parliament from his United Democratic Alliance said that their party leader must be given a second term. One MP even urged him to rule for 24 years like his political mentor, former President Daniel arap Moi.
The Head of State has been criticised over some of the policies adopted by his Kenya Kwanza administration, and Kenya’s deteriorating human rights record.
But on Sunday, the President said that he was ready to unite other leaders and all Kenyans for the country to achieve change.
“This is because we understand that one man, one party, one region cannot do it, but together, united people from all communities, regions, political formations, ethnic communities, every religion, all united we can achieve much together,” the President said, exuding confidence that under his stewardship, “Kenya will go places”.
Enemies of the nation
Dr Ruto described those wishing for Kenya to fail as “enemies of the nation”.
“These are enemies of our nation. But I want to say Kenya will not crumble,” he said.
The President emphasised the need for unity of the country, underscoring his formation of the broad-based government which he noted had brought Kenyans together.
Tiaty MP William Kamket recently chided those downplaying Dr Ruto’s administration.
“You are a President, rightfully elected. Sit on that seat well. You will be elected for a second term and bounce back,” he said.
The lawmaker expressed confidence in Ruto’s reelection, stating: “I come from Baringo County (Moi’s home) which knows how to manufacture a president to survive for 24 years. If they joke, we can tell you to extend past the two terms.”
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi also defended Dr Ruto during a rally in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Mr Sudi mocked critics, referring to them as wakora wa mtandao (internet crooks), and dismissed the “Ruto Must Go” slogan as futile.
“Those online critics shouting ‘Ruto must go’—whether they jump up, go down, or move sideways, Ruto is not going anywhere,” the MP stated.
Mr Sudi also emphasised that leadership in Kenya is not a privilege reserved for a specific group, asserting, “No one should feel entitled to lead Kenyans. Anyone can become President.”
On Sunday at the Church service in Nairobi, the president was accompanied by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and a host of MPs— including opposition legislators George Aladwa (Makadara), Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North), John Kiarie (Dagoretti South), Tom Kajwang’ (Ruaraka), Anthony Oluoch (Mathare) and Felix Odiwuor (Lang’ata) who defended his move to broaden the base of his government.
Mr Aladwa who is also the Nairobi county ODM chairman said they would continue defending President Ruto.
Personal opinion
“Mr President, just make sure Baba (Raila Odinga) becomes the chairman of the African Union Commission and leave the rest for us. Let those speaking speak, but the wave will sweep them away,” Mr Aladwa charged.
“We have heard people talk, but that’s their personal opinion. We have five Cabinet secretaries courtesy of the broad-based government – Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, John Mbadi, Opiyo Wandayi and Beatrice Askul, don’t know this?”
He added: “We shall remain there Mr President. That’s where we belong because the president has agreed to vote for Raila and even campaigned for him to win the AUC seat, we cannot let him down,” added Mr Aladwa.
Mr Alawa’s statement came barely two days after ODM interim party leader Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o and Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna warned members against making statements that suggest plans by ODM to back Dr Ruto’s re-election.
“After chairing the ODM Central Committee meeting, I want to reassure our members and the public that ODM will continue to be a force for good in the year ahead. We stand firm as the foremost defender of democracy, championing freedom, full participation, transparency, good governance, justice, fairness, and equity,” Prof Nyong’o posted on social media.
“We urge all our members to remember that ODM is a distinct political force, committed to winning power through democratic means. In this pursuit, let us be mindful of our words and actions, and avoid supporting our competitors in ways that may undermine the party's unity and goals,” he went.
A statement issued by Mr Sifuna after the meeting assured its members across the country that the party was strengthening its structures in readiness for the next elections.
“We must continue to strengthen ourselves in preparation for the battles ahead. Following the largely successful grassroots elections in November at polling units in all the 47 Counties the Party received 41 Appeals,” said Mr Sifuna.
