President William Ruto has hit back at former Chief Justice David Maraga for claiming Kenya is on the brink of becoming a failed state, questioning how a man who served in public office for decades could now discredit the same country.
Speaking during a bell-ringing ceremony at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), Ruto dismissed Maraga’s assertions, describing Kenya as a resilient nation making progress despite challenges.
“I listened to one gentleman who retired the other day after working for 50 years and now wants to be president,” Ruto said. “I hear him say Kenya is a failed state. I ask myself: has he been working in a failed state for 40 years?”
The President further challenged Maraga’s credibility and intentions, saying:
“You want us to trust you with the leadership of a country you don’t believe in, and to a people you don’t believe in.”
Maraga, in a recent interview on K24, warned that Kenya was sliding toward state failure due to a worsening political and economic situation. He cited poor handling of anti-government protests and erosion of constitutional freedoms as key concerns.
“There is a political and economic crisis in the country that needs to be addressed squarely,” Maraga said during the interview.
In response, President Ruto defended his administration’s track record and urged critics to move beyond empty slogans.
“If you have a better plan for the economy, jobs, health or education, then say it. We cannot replace a plan you don’t like with nothing,” Ruto said. “Sloganeering is not enough.”
He acknowledged that every leader eventually leaves office, including himself, but questioned the logic behind some of the opposition’s demands.
“I listened to another group of Kenyans saying ‘Ruto must go’. And for sure, my time will come, and I will go,” he said. “But respectfully, what are your reasons? I’m sure it’s not because of how my name is spelt.”
