President William Ruto has said he is ready to face the electorates in 2027 even as he warned those trying to destabilise his administration.
Responding to calls to step down for the first time, Ruto explained that Kenya is a democratic country where leaders are elected or dismissed through the ballot.
“Tujue ya kwamba pale 2027 tutafanya mtihani na hawa wananchi na kila mtu atakuja na kazi yake amefanya,” he said.
(We should know that come 2027, we will have an exam and everyone will come with what they have done)
Ruto also reminded those opposed to his leadership that the people are the ultimate decision makers and there is no need for the current political squabbles.
He said those calling for his resignation should hold their horses until 2027 to decide his fate on the strength of his performance.
“Hakuna haja ya kusumbuana hapa katikati. Wacha tungoje hii mtihani kila mtu afanye tuone nani wa kupita nani wa kuanguka. Mimi najipanga, hii uchaguzi tutakutana hakuna problem,” he said.
(There is no need to trouble each other right now. Let us wait for that exam and everyone will do it so that we see those who win and those who fail. I am preparing myself for it, we’ll meet there, there is no problem)
The President appealed to Kenyans to maintain peace and avoid causing violence that could break the unity of the nation.
“I want to urge Kenyans not to bring fights, chaos or anything that can compromise on the unity of our country. We are a democratic nation and in a democracy, people decide through an election,” he said.
Without mentioning names, Ruto further made a subtle remark targeting some foreign individuals whom he alleged are behind the recent chaos in the country.
“I want to tell them that Kenya is a democratic nation and we are not about to leave,” he stated.
Ruto made the remarks on Wednesday when he officially opened the Kimuka power substation in Kajiado West.
The head of state at the same time announced plans to incorporate all leaders into his government irrespective of their political affiliations.
The recent Gen Z-driven protests to reject the impugned Finance Bill, 2024 quickly morphed into demands for accountability from government and calls for the President to step down.