Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto on Tuesday dismissed claims that he intends to rule Kenya for 20 years, saying his focus is on transforming the country.
Speaking during the submission of the Jukwaa la Usalama Report and a meeting with chiefs at State House, Ruto said some people had misinterpreted his earlier statements.
“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.”
Ruto’s remarks come amid speculation and debate over his political ambitions, clarifying that his vision is for national development rather than prolonged tenure in office.
In September 2025, Ruto said Kenya has the potential to attain first-world status in the next two decades if citizens unite and focus on productivity.
“We can be a first-world country in the next 20 years if we do the right things, and I speak as the leader of this nation today. I want to ask the citizens of the Republic of Kenya: there is absolutely no reason why we are in the third world,” Ruto said.
Saying the country’s challenges stem not from a lack of resources but from internal divisions such as hatred, tribalism and empty politics, he urged Kenyans to “tuwache chuki, ukabila, tuwache siasa ya bure na tupange kazi yetu sawasawa.”
On November 30, the President reiterated the statement, saying that in the next three decades, Kenya could be a first-world nation.
“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.”
Ruto pointed to recent infrastructure achievements, including the launch of a 175-kilometre Rironi-Nakuru-Mau summit express highway stretch that is expected to unlock trade and networking.
He added that the government planned to roll out at least four more major infrastructure projects next year as part of a broader development agenda.
The statements, he said, were, however, taken out of context, adding that he did not mean that he would still be at the top office then.
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