William Ruto Asks Kenyans in UK to Ignore What Local Newspapers Report: "Bad News"
- Kenyans abroad questioned the state of affairs back home, citing rising tension and troubling narratives
- President William Ruto responded with a powerful message of hope and commitment to steering the country forward
- He explained how many are leveraging digital platforms for positive impact, despite the online negativity
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
London, UK: President William Ruto has reiterated his commitment to making tough decisions for the country's long-term growth, even if they come at the expense of short-term popularity.
Source: Facebook
Speaking during a presidential diaspora town hall meeting in London on Wednesday, July 2, the president responded to concerns raised by Kenyans abroad over the state of affairs back home, especially the prevalence of negative news and heightened political tension.
The meeting was part of Ruto’s official visit to the United Kingdom, which followed a prior engagement in Spain.
The visit is aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties, signing key economic agreements, and advancing Kenya’s voice on global financial reforms.
What happened during Ruto's town hall meeting?
During the town hall, members of the Kenyan diaspora expressed concern over the country’s direction, citing frequent negative headlines and continued political wrangling despite the next general election being two years away.
In response to their concerns, Ruto assured them that, despite the tough headlines, the country is on a path of transformation.
"Our newspapers are filled with bad news from the first page to the last, headline to headline. You’d think the country is burning. But I want to assure you, we have a nation to protect and a future to build. I promised to lead from the front, and that’s exactly what I will do. I must make a difference. No matter how tough the decisions are, I will make them—because that’s the only way to move Kenya forward.”
Ruto acknowledged that some advisers have cautioned him against implementing difficult reforms during his first term, but said he was determined to act now rather than postpone.
“If I can do it in five years, why wait for ten? I could choose to be popular and make convenient decisions, but that’s not me. I choose to make the right decisions that will move Kenya forward,” he stated.
Another Kenyan attendee attributed the ongoing tension and public frustration to the seemingly endless political campaigns.
“The election is a one-day event. Kenya is a work in progress every single day,” Ruto replied. “We cannot focus on a one-day job for five years. We need to work on other things that matter to our citizens.”
Source: Facebook
The president also addressed the issue of toxic discourse online, acknowledging the negative tone on social media but urging focus on its potential.
“Yes, sometimes social media is full of insults. But there are also people using the internet to earn a living and support their families. That’s the space we’re working to protect and expand,” he said.
Ruto’s visit to the UK is expected to culminate in the signing of several bilateral agreements, with a focus on trade, technology, and financial innovation.
Excited man takes unexpected selfie with Ruto
Meanwhile, following the town hall, the president announced that they would proceed to a meet-and-greet.
Before the session, a visibly excited Kenyan-Indian man breached security to take a selfie with him.
The incident has since gone viral, drawing mixed reactions from Kenyans online over the rare breach of presidential protocol.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
