Ruto is a transformative leader not populist – Kindiki

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said that President William Ruto is a transformative leader who is not swayed by popularity.

According to Kindiki, Ruto has decided not to be a populist politician but to focus on transformation instead.

He noted that transformatives make unpopular decisions but in the end of it all, they are greatly appreciated.

He stated that even if the president doesn’t get popular with his decisions, he will have done his part in bringing change to the country.

“President William Ruto is a transformative leader. Transformative leaders may not be popular in the short term because of their bold decisions that might dent their popularity temporarily. In the end, they will be appreciated because of their productive decisions," Kindiki said on Friday.

“The President has decided to be a transformative one. Popularity will come if it has to come and even if it doesn’t come it is okay, he will have done his job.” 

He spoke during a meeting with a delegation from Kajiado county at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi.

The DP cited former President Mwai Kibaki who made an unpopular decision in his first term in office but when it got to his eight years in office, many Kenyans wished he could get another term to continue with his good work.

He, however, said that is unfair for the people to pile pressure on President Ruto to deliver on his promises when he still has over two years in his term.

“It is unfair to put pressure on the President to deliver on the development agenda before the end of the term he has been elected to serve. The President is serving a five-year term. He has just completed two years and some months.”

Kindiki said that the President knows he will have to answer to Kenyans in 2027 and that he is on track to deliver on the promises he made during campaigns.

“He is on track to deliver what he promised Kenyans. The President knows he has an exam to sit in 2027 and he will be ready for it. That is why he has focused on development and faster delivery of the projects he promised before elections,” he added.