Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to elect leaders based on their development record rather than ethnic, religious, or personal considerations.
Ruto challenged voters to prioritise performance and service delivery when making leadership choices.
“Wacha niwaulize, wakati mnachagua viongozi mnachagua kwa sababu ya sura ama kazi? Ni kazi ama kabila ya mtu? Ni kazi ama dini ya mtu? Si ni kazi?” Ruto posed.
President William Ruto addresses residents in Pipeline Estate, Nairobi on February 8, 2026./PCS
He said leaders should be judged solely on what they have delivered to wananchi, adding that he would present his administration’s development record for public scrutiny.
“Mimi nitakuja hapa na kazi yangu, ya affordable housing, ya markets, ya barabara na ya kusafisha city, na nyinyi mtaamua,” he told the crowd.
President William Ruto addresses residents in Pipeline Estate, Nairobi on February 8, 2026./PCSPresident William Ruto addresses residents in Pipeline Estate, Nairobi on February 8, 2026./PCS
The President cited the Affordable Housing Programme, construction of modern markets, road expansion, and urban renewal projects among key initiatives his government is implementing to improve livelihoods and create jobs.
The president was speaking after officially opening the Africa Inland Church (AIC) Pipeline in Embakasi, Nairobi County. He also used the platform to take a swipe at his political opponents, telling those planning to challenge him to prepare for a tough contest.
“Ndiyo maana nawaambia wale tunashindana nao wajipange. Hii siasa tunaelewa,” he said.
At the same time, the Head of State downplayed attempts to revive the Azimio la Umoja coalition, arguing that the outfit lacks political strength without the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which has recently charted its own political path.
“Now I hear they are reviving Azimio. We will beat Azimio so early in the morning the way we did in 2022,” he said.
“Isn’t Azimio without ODM dead on arrival?” he posed.
The remarks come amid renewed political realignments and early positioning by various camps ahead of the next General Election, with both government and opposition leaders seeking to consolidate their support bases.
The Embakasi event drew thousands of residents and local leaders, including Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
