President Ruto’s Tours: Missteps, Contradictions, and the Politics of 2027

President William Ruto’s recent tours have ignited controversy, with critics pointing to his questionable remarks, perceived campaign tactics, and economic mismanagement. His speeches, at times combative and contradictory, have raised concerns about his leadership style and the political motivations behind his activities.

Introduction: A Leadership Under Scrutiny

As Kenya faces economic and political challenges, President Ruto’s actions and statements have come under intense scrutiny. His recent nationwide tours, rather than reassuring citizens, have fueled concerns about his governance priorities, transparency, and long-term vision. This analysis explores the key missteps, contradictions, and political maneuvering defining Ruto’s presidency.

Contradictions and Inflammatory Statements

During his public addresses, Ruto has been accused of making inflammatory and dismissive comments. In response to mounting criticism, he defiantly stated, “I am not a tourist. Because for this country to change, it has to be changed, and that is done by thoughts and plans.” However, his extensive travels and spending habits tell a different story, fueling accusations of misplaced priorities.

One of the most glaring contradictions from Ruto came in his stance on enforced disappearances. Initially, he downplayed concerns, dismissing the issue as exaggerated, stating, “There are no enforced disappearances in Kenya.” However, he later reversed his position, pledging to end abductions. “I will ensure that no Kenyan is abducted or killed by rogue elements within the security forces,” he claimed, despite previously dismissing these concerns.

Another remark that sparked international controversy was his statement about the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): “There is a market in DRC which has a population of 90 million people and no single cow.” This comment was widely criticized as both inaccurate and disrespectful, forcing Ruto to issue an apology.

Ruto has also been criticized for dismissing individuals without PhDs, implying they lack the intelligence to engage in serious discussions. He remarked, “Some people are just making noise; they don’t even have PhDs,” a statement that was perceived as elitist and dismissive of those without academic credentials.

Furthermore, his claim that Germany had promised 250,000 jobs to Kenyans was quickly refuted by German authorities, exposing a blatant falsehood. Ruto had confidently stated, “We have secured 250,000 jobs for Kenyans in Germany,” only for the German government to clarify that no such agreement existed.

The Shadow of 2027: Governance or Campaigning?

Ruto’s nationwide tours have been marketed as developmental, but critics argue they resemble early campaign trails. His allies have made it clear that securing a second term is the goal, with one insider stating, “We are setting the foundation for 2027.” The concern here is the use of state resources for political mileage, further blurring the lines between governance and campaign propaganda.

These tours also come at a significant cost to taxpayers. While the exact figures remain undisclosed, estimates suggest millions are spent on security, logistics, and allowances for government officials. Given Kenya’s ongoing economic struggles, these expenses raise serious concerns about fiscal responsibility.

Economic Crisis: A Government Struggling to Deliver

Kenya is grappling with economic turmoil, including mounting debt and delayed salaries. While Ruto has vowed to tackle corruption, skepticism remains. “My government will fight corruption ruthlessly,” he declared. However, tangible action remains to be seen, and many remain doubtful of his ability—or willingness—to confront entrenched corruption within his administration.

The government’s borrowing spree has also raised alarms. Despite promising economic stabilization, Kenya’s debt continues to rise, and Ruto’s administration has struggled to meet salary obligations. Civil servants have faced delays in receiving their pay, prompting public outcry. Recent reports indicate that Kenya’s debt-to-GDP ratio has exceeded 70%, placing the country in a precarious financial position. If Kenya is indeed on a path to recovery, why are these financial difficulties persisting?

Unfulfilled Promises: A Pattern of Deception?

Ruto’s credibility has also been questioned due to unfulfilled promises dating back to his tenure as Deputy President. The highly publicized pledge to provide free laptops to schoolchildren never materialized, despite repeated assurances. Similarly, his promise to construct world-class stadiums across the country remains largely unfulfilled. “We will build five state-of-the-art stadiums,” Ruto once vowed, yet Kenyans are still waiting for these projects to begin.

Additionally, his promise to lower the cost of living has yet to be realized. Prices of essential commodities such as food and fuel have remained high, further burdening ordinary Kenyans. Despite inflation rates hovering around 8-9% in recent months, no significant government intervention has been implemented to ease the strain on households. The lack of concrete solutions has left many questioning whether Ruto’s administration is genuinely committed to addressing these issues.

The US Trip Scandal: Extravagance Amid Economic Struggles

Ruto’s May trip to the United States drew backlash over the reported multi-million shilling expenditure on a chartered plane. Defending the trip, he claimed, “My friends paid for the plane, and only less than Sh10 million came from taxpayers.” This explanation did little to quell public anger, as many questioned why a cost-effective alternative was not considered, given the country’s economic challenges.

Beyond the cost, the trip’s tangible benefits remain unclear. While Ruto emphasized foreign investment opportunities, no major deals or agreements were announced. The visit appeared to be more of a public relations exercise rather than a mission with direct economic benefits for Kenya.

Political Recalibration: Mending Fences or Opportunism?

Ruto’s shifting political alliances have also raised eyebrows, with reports suggesting he may be exploring collaboration with former President Uhuru Kenyatta. “I am ready to work with anyone who has Kenya’s best interests at heart,” he stated. However, some see this as a strategic move to broaden his political base rather than a genuine effort for national unity.

This maneuvering reflects a broader pattern in Ruto’s leadership—one that prioritizes political survival over principled governance. If these alliances are formed out of convenience rather than shared vision, they risk undermining long-term stability and policy consistency.

Conclusion: Kenya’s Future at a Crossroads

Ruto’s tours and remarks have done little to inspire confidence in his leadership. Instead, they have fueled public skepticism, highlighting contradictions, misplaced priorities, and political maneuvering. His repeated falsehoods—such as the Germany job claims and past unfulfilled promises—further erode trust in his administration. With Kenya facing pressing economic and governance issues, citizens must ask: is President Ruto focused on delivering for the people, or is he already fixated on securing his next term? As 2027 approaches, the country must demand accountability, transparency, and real leadership—not just political theatrics.