President William Ruto has intensified his critique of long-serving politicians, singling out Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s leadership record as an example of what he considers failure to deliver development.
Speaking at Covenant Church International in Rotian, Narok County, on Sunday, Ruto urged voters to prioritise results over popularity when choosing leaders.
He stressed that occupying political office for years should result in tangible achievements that improve the lives of citizens.
“If a person has been in leadership for 10 years, and has not built any road, no school, no church, is that a person to be elected?” Ruto asked, pointing to the need for accountability.
Without naming him directly, the President criticised some politicians for spending decades in public service without creating visible change for their communities.
“Someone has been in politics for 40 years and has not built anything, no school, no church, no road,” he said. “Even if we do not look at what he has done nationally, what has he done in his home area? Even in his home, nothing.”
Ruto emphasised that leadership is not about applause or public admiration but about measurable service delivery. He encouraged voters to examine the records of those seeking office and demand proof of what they have accomplished.
“It is good to say the truth. I want to challenge my competitors to show us their track records because they have been leaders in this country,” he said. “I can show my track record as a leader; let them show us theirs.”
He added that aspiring leaders must present a clear agenda and demonstrate what they have achieved in past roles.
“They want to compete with me, and I have insisted that they must first have an agenda and then show Kenyans your track record,” Ruto said.
The remarks come amid heightened political tensions, with development projects, especially roads, becoming a key point of debate. During a recent trip to Turkana County, Ruto criticised the poor state of the road leading to Kalonzo’s Tseikuru home, questioning the former Vice President’s capacity to deliver over his years in office.
In response, Kalonzo Musyoka accused the President of using a church platform for political attacks instead of focusing on worship. He also said the current administration had neglected projects begun under previous governments and was politicising development for political advantage.
