Speaking at State House Nairobi during a meeting with faith leaders from Bungoma County, Ruto criticized leaders who oppose development projects, saying such individuals should not be trusted with leadership responsibilities.
According to the President, while his administration is focused on delivering major national development programmes, some politicians are spending their time attacking projects that are meant to benefit ordinary Kenyans instead of supporting progress.
“If these are the kinds of leaders people want to elect, then they should not be allowed near power. While some of us are pushing development forward, others are dragging the country backwards,” Ruto stated.
His remarks came after Kalonzo reportedly threatened to do away with the Affordable Housing Programme, one of the flagship projects of Ruto’s administration.
The housing plan has been both praised and criticized, with supporters calling it a major step toward solving Kenya’s housing crisis while critics question its funding model and implementation.
The President’s response quickly triggered mixed reactions online. Some Kenyans sided with Ruto, accusing Kalonzo of opposing government projects purely for political reasons and personal rivalry. They argued that national development should not be turned into a campaign battlefield.
Others, however, defended Kalonzo’s criticism, saying the Affordable Housing Programme has raised serious concerns among citizens, especially regarding the housing levy and the economic burden it places on workers already struggling with the high cost of living.
Governance expert Kaluki Kilonzo also backed Ruto’s position and questioned Kalonzo’s leadership track record. Speaking during a phone interview, Kaluki argued that Kalonzo has spent too much time criticizing government projects without presenting clear alternatives.
“What major achievement has Kalonzo delivered whenever he has been given an opportunity to serve? If his style of leadership is simply opposing development projects initiated by President Ruto, then he is unlikely to convince many Kenyans,” Kaluki said.
The exchange has once again highlighted the sharp political divisions ahead of the 2027 elections, where development, taxation, and cost of living are expected to dominate national debate.
The President’s response quickly triggered mixed reactions online. Some Kenyans sided with Ruto, accusing Kalonzo of opposing government projects purely for political reasons and personal rivalry. They argued that national development should not be turned into a campaign battlefield.
Others, however, defended Kalonzo’s criticism, saying the Affordable Housing Programme has raised serious concerns among citizens, especially regarding the housing levy and the economic burden it places on workers already struggling with the high cost of living.
Governance expert Kaluki Kilonzo also backed Ruto’s position and questioned Kalonzo’s leadership track record. Speaking during a phone interview, Kaluki argued that Kalonzo has spent too much time criticizing government projects without presenting clear alternatives.
“What major achievement has Kalonzo delivered whenever he has been given an opportunity to serve? If his style of leadership is simply opposing development projects initiated by President Ruto, then he is unlikely to convince many Kenyans,” Kaluki said.
The exchange has once again highlighted the sharp political divisions ahead of the 2027 elections, where development, taxation, and cost of living are expected to dominate national debate.
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Politics