President William Ruto has again spoken out to clear doubts about his political intentions, saying claims that he wants to lead Kenya for 20 years are false and based on a wrong reading of his earlier remarks.
During the handover of the Jukwaa la Usalama Report at State House on Tuesday, where he also met chiefs from across the country, Ruto said his message about a 20-year plan was about development, not staying in power. He noted that some people chose to twist his words to push a different narrative.
“I said I will transform the country into first world class, and this will happen in the next 20 years, and some people thought I was saying I will rule for 20 years,” he said.
Ruto explained that his goal is to do as much as possible within the period he was elected, saying he does not desire to hold onto office. “Do you think I'm mad? Do people think being a president is easy? Being criticised daily? I am waiting for the day I will finish my term and let someone else take the mantle.”
He added that his role is to serve, not to try and stay longer than allowed. “God willing, I will work on what I can. I have no interest in staying here.”
These comments come as questions continue to arise about his long-term plans, with speculation building around his repeated talk of long-range national goals.
Ruto said his remarks had nothing to do with extending his stay, but were meant to encourage Kenyans to look beyond short-term politics.
He pointed to statements he made earlier, including in September 2025, where he urged citizens to unite behind a shared purpose and increase productivity if the country hopes to move ahead.
“We can be a first-world country in the next 20 years if we do the right things, and I speak as the leader of this nation today. I want to ask the citizens of the Republic of Kenya: there is absolutely no reason why we are in the third world,” Ruto said.
He repeated that problems facing the country are made worse by division and negative politics. Calling for peace and unity, he asked Kenyans to “tuwache chuki, ukabila, tuwache siasa ya bure na tupange kazi yetu sawasawa.”
On November 30, he restated the same belief, saying the country has enough potential to rise to first-world status within the next three decades.
“I have no doubt in my mind that it is possible to move Kenya from a third-world country to a first-world country before I die. By the time I get to 90, Kenya should be a first-world country. It’s possible. Others have done it,” he said.
“Who says Kenya cannot move from a third world to a first world in 30 years? We can do it. Believe me, we will do it. Let’s trust God. Let us believe in ourselves.”
Ruto highlighted some of the recent work already done, including the opening of the 175-kilometre Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit expressway section, saying it will help open more markets and support movement of goods. He noted that at least four major infrastructure projects are lined up for next year to push the country further along its development path.
He said his words were taken out of context, stressing once more that he was not suggesting he would still be in office when those future milestones are achieved.
