President Ruto Dismisses ‘Must Go’ Chants, Focuses on Development and Unity
President William Ruto has brushed off growing chants of “Ruto must go” during public events, stating that such sentiments are nothing new in Kenya’s political landscape. Speaking at Ramba High School in Siaya County during the burial of George Oduor, a former bodyguard to opposition leader Raila Odinga, Ruto likened the chants to historical slogans such as “Moi must go.”
“Nyinyi mnaniambia Ruto must go, mimi nimeskia hiyo mara mingi… hii ‘must go’ ni wimbo tu ya kawaida, there is no problem,” Ruto said, dismissing the uproar as routine political noise.
The President, often the subject of online nicknames like ‘Zakayo’ and ‘Kasongo’, said he remains unfazed by the criticism and is fully committed to national priorities such as education, electrification, infrastructure development, and effective devolution.
“I am not bothered. I am focused: we must get our education right; we must get our electrification right; we must get our infrastructure right; and we must handle devolution properly,” he emphasized.
Ruto also shared personal memories of the late George Oduor, revealing that they had once worked together during his time in the ODM party. He acknowledged Oduor’s dedication and announced a Ksh.20 million pledge for the development of Ramba High School in his honor, following a request from Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo.
“In honour of George… I am committing Ksh.20 million to elevate this school in honour of this great man,” Ruto stated.
In a rare show of political camaraderie, the President extended heartfelt appreciation to Raila Odinga, recounting their political history—from allies to rivals and now collaborators.
“I want to stand here today and say that the man I stood by… has equally come to stand with me when I needed a man to stand with me,” he said, commending Odinga’s role in stabilizing the country.
Ruto credited their newfound alliance for improving the country’s economic indicators, citing a drop in the dollar exchange rate from Ksh.160 to Ksh.129, and inflation falling from 9.6% to 3.5%.
He concluded by hailing Odinga as a patriotic statesman whose actions have always prioritized Kenya’s greater good over personal gain.
“History is going to judge Raila Odinga fairly; that whenever there is an opportunity to stand for the nation, he has always stood for the nation,” said Ruto.
This statement marks a continued shift in Kenya’s political dynamics, with collaboration across former party lines seemingly taking precedence over division and antagonism.
In other news:President Ruto Attends Burial of Raila Odinga’s Longtime Aide George Oduor in Siaya
President Ruto Dismisses ‘Must Go’ Chants, Focuses on Development and Unity