Ruto: I won’t hand over power to ‘bitter, disorganised’ Opposition
President William Ruto addressing locals at Kivaywa Primary School in Lugari in Kakamega County on June 15, 2025.
President William Ruto on Sunday hit out at the Opposition, branding its leaders as disorganised, bitter and only fixated on removing him from office without offering any credible solutions to the country’s problems.
Speaking at Kivaywa Comprehensive School in Lugari, Kakamega County, Dr Ruto singled out Opposition figures including Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Fred Matiang’i, and Martha Karua accusing them of lacking a national development agenda.
“Their only message is ‘Ruto must go’. But how does that solve challenges in healthcare, education, or agriculture? They are angry and bitter yet they have no plan. We cannot hand over leadership to such people,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on his administration’s development pledges, warning that anyone standing in the way would be dealt with firmly.
The President also promised to revive stalled infrastructure projects in Kakamega County, including roads, water, and electricity connections, blaming previous delays on poor planning.
However, Dr Ruto steered clear of addressing the recent killing of blogger and former teacher Albert Ojwang, whose death has sparked public outrage and calls for justice.
Local leaders, including Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya and Senators Boni Khalwale and Godfrey Osotsi had urged the President to speak out and ensure accountability.
Governor Sakaja condemned Ojwang’s killing allegedly at the hands of police officers and revealed that he had offered a job to the late teacher’s widow in Nairobi and bought land for the family in Homa Bay.
“But as we do these things, we cannot bring him back. Let there be justice. Let there be no sacred cow,” Mr Sakaja said, warning against a cover-up.
He further noted that while peaceful protests were a constitutional right, criminality disguised as demonstrations would not be tolerated.
Governor Barasa questioned the delay in arresting Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, the complainant in the case that led to Ojwang’s arrest.
“Mr President, I believe you don’t have sacred cows. Let all those involved face justice,” he said.
Mr Salasya demanded answers over the release of three police officers who reportedly took Ojwang to Mbagathi Hospital, wondering why they had not yet been apprehended.
Meanwhile, Mr Gachagua said the Opposition was united in its goal of fielding a single presidential candidate to challenge Dr Ruto in 2027.
“President Ruto is trying to split us, but his attempts will be unsuccessful. I am confident we will beat him hands down. We are calling on all Kenyans to help us root out Dr Ruto,” he said.
Separately, the Kenya Coalition of Church Alliances and Ministries condemned Ojwang’s death, calling it a tragedy and a stain on the moral standing of the National Police Service.
During a condolence visit to the bereaved family, the lobby’s Vice Chairman Bishop Stephen Mutua called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) to fast-track investigations into Ojwang’s death, along with other suspicious killings of young people across the country.
“We demand that Ipoa investigate not only his case, but also the many unresolved deaths of youth, and ensure that any officers found culpable are brought to justice,” said Bishop Mutua.
He also urged Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to guarantee peaceful protests without intimidation, while warning demonstrators to avoid violent tactics that could lead to further tragedy.
“We call upon young people to express their grievances peacefully and within the law. That is how we preserve our hard-won right to protest and avoid further loss of life,” he said.
The group also called on President Ruto to take the lead in restoring public confidence in security agencies and initiating reforms to align the police service with constitutional values.
Reporting by Shaban Makokha, George Munene, David Muchui and Fridah Okachi