President Ruto dismisses ‘must go’ chants, says he’s heard it all and is not bothered

President William Ruto has downplayed growing criticism and chants of ‘Ruto must go,’ likening them to recycled political slogans that have historically trailed Kenyan Heads of State.

Speaking on Saturday at Ramba High School in Siaya County during the burial service of George Oduor, a longtime bodyguard to opposition leader Raila Odinga, President Ruto said such calls were neither new nor troubling to him.

“Sasa nyinyi mnaniambia Ruto must go, mimi nimeskia hiyo mara mingi. Kulikuwa na 'Moi must go' na mengine…hii 'must go' ni wimbo tu ya kawaida, there is no problem. Shida iko wapi?” He posed.

He also cited the many nicknames he has been branded by critics online since assuming office, saying he is unbothered by them and is instead focused on fulfilling his mandate.

The Head of State reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to key development priorities including education, infrastructure, electrification and proper management of devolution.

“Mara wananiita Zakayo, mara Kasongo, mara nini…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, so that we can all move the country forward. And I welcome any assistance so that we can make Kenya great; that is my mission and commitment,” he said,

The President also used the occasion to reflect on his past political ties with the late Oduor, revealing that he personally benefited from his security services during his time as a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party

“I came to know George as a member of ODM then, and we were in many places together. Somebody said here that I benefitted also from his security services, and that is true. Whenever we went to situations as members of ODM, George was on hand,” Ruto recalled.

He paid tribute to Oduor as a loyal and dependable officer, and pledged Ksh.20 million towards the development of Ramba High School - where the burial service was held - in his honour. This was upon the request of Rarieda Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo.

“In honour of George, huyu mbunge wenu Otiende Amollo amesema tusaidie kujenga hii shule and I am committing Ksh.20 million in order to elevate this school in honour of this great man. Otiende Amollo utafuatana na mimi, next week nitakuandikia cheque ya kuendesha hii shule,” stated Ruto.

The President also spoke at length about his evolving relationship with Raila Odinga, recalling how their paths had intertwined politically; from comradeship in opposition to becoming competitors, and now collaborators.

He lauded Odinga for standing with him during a critical point in his presidency, and credited their current political cooperation for stabilizing the country and reviving the economy.

“I have come a very long way with Raila Odinga. I want to stand here today and say that the man I stood by, and gave my all at a moment in my life, we would eventually become competitors, and that he would eventually come and anchor my leadership. Prime Minister, I want to tell you I am truly grateful, that just the way I stood with you when you needed a man to stand with you, you have equally come to stand with me when I needed a man to stand with me,” said Ruto.

“Because of our coming together, because of forging this relationship, that has stabilized the country and created inclusivity, and eliminated the things that divide us and the negative ethnicity that threatens our country, today we can proudly say our economy is stable. The dollar which was at Ksh.160 is now at ksh.129. Inflation which was at 9.6% is now at 3.5%, because we have come together and we are working together.”

Ruto lauded Odinga as a statesman, saying history would judge him kindly for consistently putting national interest above personal or political gain.

“I want to say this, for the avoidance of any doubt, that when Baba (Odinga) here came to stand with me, it was not about him or his interests or parochial interests, it was about the greater interests of Kenya, and 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. I am very proud that our paths crossed and we have come this journey together,” he said.