William Ruto Sneers at Critics, Says They’re Yet to Accept His Presidency: “Mimi Ndio Niko Hapa”
- President William Ruto has brushed off claims he’s lowered State House standards, saying critics are just bitter that the era of elites and flashy names is over
- Addressing footballers at State House, Ruto said he proudly hosts ordinary Kenyans, not the political royalty who once ran the show
- With a confident smile and a nod to divine favour, Ruto told doubters to accept the reality that, for now, by God’s grace, he's the president
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Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi: President William Ruto has dismissed ongoing criticism about his leadership, suggesting that some of his detractors are still grappling with the reality of his presidency.
Source: Facebook
Ruto ascended to the highest office in 2022, riding on a wave of disillusionment while leveraging his connection to common mwananchi using the hustler narrative.
Did Ruto host Nairobi United FC?
The president packaged himself as an outsider-turned-insider, who climbed from humble beginnings to the highest seat of power, disrupting the old order.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi on Thursday, July 10, during a meeting with Nairobi United FC players, Ruto directly addressed claims that he has lowered the standards of the country’s most powerful office.
The president gave a response that was both defiant and reflective, laced with a touch of humour and his religious conviction.
"I’ve been accused of lowering the standards of the State House. The complaint is that those who used to come here no longer recognise anyone whenever they visit," Ruto told the players.
He went on to explain that the new faces at State House are not the political elite or the well-connected, but ordinary Kenyans, people without titles, status, or renown.
Ruto explained that, according to him, it is exactly how he wants it, adding that he was just an ordinary person.
"Because nowadays, the people who come here are just ordinary citizens without big titles, flashy reputations, or famous names. But that’s because I’m also just an ordinary person who got here purely by the grace of God," he said.
What is Ruto's parting shot to his critics?
Ruto’s remarks appeared to target a class of political and business elites who once enjoyed exclusive access to power corridors but now find themselves out of favour.
Without naming names, he portrayed himself as a president for the people, especially the overlooked majority.
The president claimed that most of his critics were still at odds with his presidency, claiming they were still in denial.
Source: Facebook
Ruto made it clear that, regardless of the discomfort his presidency may cause some, the facts remain that he's the president.
The president’s tone was unmistakably firm, underscoring a wider narrative that has defined his public messaging in recent days amid protests against his administration.
"Some people really struggled with that—honestly, even now they still can’t believe I’m the president. They’re still in denial. Isn’t that right? But who is God, my friend? I’m the one who’s here now... mmmh... let them get used to it. For now, by God’s grace, I’m here. Are we together?" Ruto said.
Was Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji arrested?
Ruto made the strong remarks as state agencies intensified efforts to apprehend those behind recent protest-related violence.
Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have been targeting individuals accused of orchestrating the destruction of property, including the burning of businesses and government facilities.
Among those arrested is Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, a known ally of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.
He is being held as investigations continue into allegations that he funded and hired gangs to disrupt peaceful demonstrations in Juja by inciting violence.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
