President William Ruto has dismissed growing calls for his resignation, saying slogans and street protests cannot replace concrete policy proposals.
Speaking at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) on Wednesday, the Head of State downplayed the ‘Ruto Must Go’ chants that have dominated anti-government protests and trended widely on social media in recent months.
“Just like those who came before me, my time will come and I will leave,” Ruto said. “But, respectfully, what exactly are your reasons for saying ‘Ruto must go’?”
The President’s remarks come amid escalating pressure from opposition groups and youth-led movements protesting against the high cost of living, new taxes, unemployment, and corruption.
Critics accuse Ruto of failing to deliver on his campaign pledges to lower living costs and empower ordinary citizens nearly three years after taking office.
Protesters have coined the nickname ‘Wantam’—suggesting Ruto will be a one-term president—as they vow to vote him out in 2027.
However, Ruto dismissed the chants as “empty noise,” arguing that opponents have failed to present a credible alternative vision.
“You cannot replace a plan you don’t like with nothing,” he said. “Some people say, ‘Let Ruto go and we will figure out what next later.’ That sounds like ‘wash wash’ conmanship.”
He urged his critics to outline specific solutions to Kenya’s pressing challenges.
“Be bold enough to tell us your plan for jobs, healthcare, education, and the economy. ‘Wantam’ and ‘Ruto must go’ are not policies,” he added.
The President also defended his flagship programs, including the affordable housing project, the transition from NHIF to the Social Health Authority (SHA), and the revamp of university funding—reforms that have drawn sharp criticism from opponents.
