Those thinking that Ruto can be 'wantam' are daydreamers
Columnists
By
Benedict Toroitich
| Jan 03, 2026
Since his inauguration in 2022, President William Ruto has faced blame, insults, ridicule, and denigration as a non-performing leader.
Despite all this negativity, he has remained steadfast, striving to transform the nation across all sectors.
He has worked to ensure that both sides of the political spectrum collaborate to advance the bottom-up economic programme, healthcare reforms, and other initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to the people.
For those still questioning Dr Ruto’s achievements over the past three years, here is the scorecard. It surpasses that of any previous president in Kenya’s history. Political or ideological opposition is understandable, but in terms of delivery, Ruto stands second to none.
Kenya’s ambitious digital transformation is reshaping its economy and society through sweeping initiatives and tangible results at every level.
The e-Citizen platform, once the gateway for just 353 services in 2022, now offers access to over 22,500 government services, connecting 14 million users across the country.
This progress is underpinned by robust infrastructure, including more than 24,000 km of newly laid fibre optic cable, the establishment of 316 digital hubs, and the training of 1.8 million youths in essential digital skills. These efforts have fueled 185,000 digital jobs, driving youth empowerment and economic participation.
Many of us who have witnessed Ruto evolve from being the Member of Parliament for Eldoret North to now a shrewd leader of global repute attest that his meteoric rise is not by luck but sheer hard work.
Eye of a needle
Given the nature and stature of the current opposition leaders, making Ruto a one-term president is as hard as making a camel go through the eye of a needle. It is a wild-goose chase driven by the lacklustre opposition cabal.
It’s true the majority of Kenyans (not aligned to any presidential aspirant) think the country is headed in the wrong direction. The lion’s share of this group (liberals) argue that the President should address the pertinent issues they have always raised: Matters of Social Health Authority, cost of living, taxation, etc.
This group has no problem voting for Ruto for a second term if he addresses those concerns. Then, there is a small but vocal extremist faction, radicalised by Rigathi Gachagua. They have vowed to make Ruto a “wantam” president. This group’s propaganda is deliberately amplified by skewed and compromised platforms to imply that the majority of the populace share their radical views.
The President, ever calculative, will now up his game. In fact, he will use the budget to woo Kenyans to his side.
Do not be surprised to see subsidies introduced on basic commodities in the 2026/2027 budget. He might even abolish the Housing Levy in the next financial year, leaving the disgruntled opposition with little to criticise.
Chances are high that university education will be greatly subsidised, and major road projects such as the Rironi-Mau Summit dual road will be nearing completion before April 2027.
Many positive changes will be visible, and the populace will likely choose to stick with the President. It’s the power of incumbency. However, it is a grave mistake to underestimate the political agility, tact, wit, and Machiavellian strategies that Ruto has displayed and will continue to portray in the years to come.
Mr Toroitich is a communication lecturer and researcher