NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has challenged Opposition leaders to move beyond political slogans and present concrete policies and ideas for transforming Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Ruto said voters should judge political leaders by the policies they propose and their ability to explain how those policies would address the country’s challenges.
“Do not bring us slogans, come with ideas that will help the nation,” Ruto said.
The President spoke during the National Health Summit Presidential Townhall at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, where he discussed the implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA), Universal Health Coverage under the Taifa Care programme and progress in the health sector.
Ruto said his administration was focused on implementing programmes it believes will transform the country and warned politicians against turning the 2027 contest into a battle of catchy political phrases.
“We are building a solid nation. We do not want jokes, we do not want games,” he said.
“We want to compete based on ideas on how to transform our nation.”
He challenged political leaders seeking to succeed him to explain their policies to Kenyans and subject their proposals to public scrutiny.
“And any leader must stand up to the scrutiny of the Kenyan people on anything they say,” Ruto said.
The President also appeared to take aim at the use of political catchphrases at rallies, saying politicians would have to offer more than slogans to win public support.
“No one will come here and say ‘Kasongo’ and say nothing and get away with it. Leaders must explain themselves, and we are there waiting to hear what you have to say.”
Ruto defends Bottom-Up agenda
The President also defended his administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, arguing that it should be judged by the programmes being implemented rather than dismissed as a campaign slogan.
“Do not bring us slogans. When we said Bottom-Up, it was not a slogan; it is what we are doing,” Ruto said.
He cited reforms in the health sector as one example, saying the government’s approach was aimed at creating a healthcare system accessible to Kenyans across income groups.
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“That is why we have a healthcare system that takes care of every Kenyan from the bottom going up,” he said.
Ruto also cited the Hustler Fund as another example of a campaign commitment that had developed into a government programme.
“When we said Hustler Fund, it was not a slogan. It is a fund that has today disbursed Sh90 billion,” he said.
Ruto challenges opposition to offer alternatives
Ruto said his administration was prepared for political competition but maintained that the debate should focus on competing plans for Kenya’s future.
“We are not engaged in the game of slogans; we are engaged in the game of transforming our nation. Come with better ideas,” he said.
He challenged Opposition leaders to explain what they would do differently if elected in 2027.
The remarks come as political parties and leaders increasingly position themselves ahead of the next General Election, with the contest expected to centre on the economy, healthcare, employment, cost of living and governance.
Ruto’s challenge effectively puts the Opposition on notice; political criticism alone, he argues, will not be enough; Kenyans should demand clear alternatives and measurable plans from those seeking power in 2027.
