Ruto defends national dialogue, dares opposition to face him in 2027 polls

President William Ruto has defended next week's planned National Dialogue on a roadmap towards the realisation of a first-world economy, accusing the United Opposition of opposing the initiative for political reasons.

Speaking while hosting Muslim religious leaders drawn from all 47 counties at State House, Nairobi, the President said the dialogue is intended to give Kenyans an opportunity to shape the country's long-term development agenda through public participation.

"Lazima tuungane pamoja ili tushauriane kuhusu maendeleo ya kitaifa kupitia ile tunaita public participation,” he said.

The Head of State accused opposition leaders of rejecting the proposed development charter because they are more interested in political power than national progress.

"Eti wanapinga development charter... hawana haja ya maendeleo... maendeleo wanataka ni ya kutaka mamlaka na kugawanya Wakenya,” Ruto said.

President Ruto further urged religious leaders to reject divisive politics, claiming the opposition lacks a development agenda.

"Hawana sera, kazi yao ni kuzunguka kugawanya Wakenya kwa msingi wa ukabila na chuki,” stated Ruto.

The President also challenged the opposition to face him at the ballot in next year's General Election, saying leadership will be determined by ideas and performance rather than political slogans.

"Wanafikiria kushinda uchaguzi ni kusema 'One Term' mimi niko macho nawatazama tu... yao ni ooooh tujenge nyumba ya kuku,” he added.

The meeting also heard that the government is set to ratify and establish the Islamic Foundation next month.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale thanked President Ruto for what he described as equitable development across all religious communities.

"Tunashukuru sana kwa sababu haubagui dini ya Kiislamu kupitia maendeleo,” Duale noted.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the government's priority is to ensure all Kenyans receive services equally.

"Jambo muhimu ni kwamba Wakenya wote kuhudumiwa kwa usawa,” added Mudavadi.