Ruto Says His ‘20-Year’ Remark Was Misunderstood, Insists He Has No Plans to Extend His Time in Office
Speaking at a Jukwaa la Usalama forum at State House, the President said many people misunderstood his earlier comments about Kenya’s long-term development.
According to Ruto, his statement about a 20- to 30-year transformation plan was meant to show the country’s potential growth, not to suggest that he would stay in office for two decades.
According to Ruto, his statement about a 20- to 30-year transformation plan was meant to show the country’s potential growth, not to suggest that he would stay in office for two decades.
He explained that he was simply describing how Kenya could look in the future if the reforms currently being implemented continue steadily.
Ruto said the public reaction surprised him, especially from those who claimed he was hinting at seeking power beyond the allowed 10 years.
Ruto said the public reaction surprised him, especially from those who claimed he was hinting at seeking power beyond the allowed 10 years.
He noted that being president is demanding and often stressful, and that he has no interest in holding onto the job longer than necessary.
He shared that his goal is to do the best he can within the time he has, deliver on his promises, and then hand over the leadership to the next elected president.
He shared that his goal is to do the best he can within the time he has, deliver on his promises, and then hand over the leadership to the next elected president.
Ruto added that people sometimes accuse him unfairly, and that these reactions show how easily political statements can be misunderstood.
The discussion followed recent remarks from billionaire industrialist Narendra Raval, who publicly wished that Ruto could serve as president for 20 years.
The discussion followed recent remarks from billionaire industrialist Narendra Raval, who publicly wished that Ruto could serve as president for 20 years.
Raval praised what he described as strong economic progress under Ruto’s administration and argued that Kenya needs consistent leadership to maintain momentum.
Raval spoke last week during the commissioning of a steel factory in Uganda, where he said that Ruto’s policies had helped strengthen the shilling, lower inflation, and boost investor confidence.
Raval spoke last week during the commissioning of a steel factory in Uganda, where he said that Ruto’s policies had helped strengthen the shilling, lower inflation, and boost investor confidence.
He credited the President for listening to experts and making timely decisions that, in his view, have improved the economy.
The businessman repeated similar comments he made in 2024, where he said Kenya would benefit greatly if Ruto stayed in office longer.
The businessman repeated similar comments he made in 2024, where he said Kenya would benefit greatly if Ruto stayed in office longer.
However, his statements sparked public debate, especially among Kenyans who are protective of term limits and democratic principles.
President Ruto addressed the issue directly, saying he respects the Constitution and has no desire to change it.
President Ruto addressed the issue directly, saying he respects the Constitution and has no desire to change it.
He stressed that his administration is focused on reforms that will benefit the country long after he leaves office.
Ruto concluded by encouraging Kenyans to stay informed and avoid misinterpreting statements that are meant to describe long-term national goals rather than political intentions.
Ruto concluded by encouraging Kenyans to stay informed and avoid misinterpreting statements that are meant to describe long-term national goals rather than political intentions.
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