Kenya’s President William Ruto has defended his leadership in the face of growing public protests and international condemnation,asserting that his presidency is focused on long-term transformation rather than constrained by term limits or political pressure.
Speaking at the Kenya Urban Forum in Naivasha,Ruto declared,“I cannot be distracted; I am a man on a mission to transform this country … no amount of noise and propaganda will sway me from delivering on this agenda.” His remarks come amid a wave of public outrage following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody and the shooting of 22-year-old protester Boniface Kariuki by police in Nairobi’s CBD. The UK’s High Commission in Kenya condemned the violent crackdown on unarmed protesters,urging a “swift,independent and transparent investigation into the actions of the police.”
A report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed at least 22 injuries from demonstrations in Nairobi,Mombasa,Kilifi,and Kwale,largely inflicted by security forces and hired gangs. Ruto’s critics argue that his vision of leadership — measured by future impact rather than electoral timelines — masks growing authoritarianism and impunity within state institutions. Calls for his resignation,once quieted,have re-emerged,fueled by ongoing incidents of police brutality and public disillusionment. Despite the unrest,Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to urban development and economic reform,insisting he is laying the groundwork for future generations.
United News - unews.co.za