President William Ruto on Wednesday claimed that individuals pushing for his removal from office are part of what he termed the "wash wash" gang - a reference to fraudsters and con artists with no real plan for the country.
Speaking during the Talanta Bell-Ringing ceremony at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), Ruto said those criticising his administration are only good at slogans but have failed to offer tangible solutions to the country’s challenges.
"I hear some people say 'Ruto must go', and that is fine - my time will come like those who came before me. But what is your plan when I go?" the President posed.
He challenged his critics to present alternative ideas if they genuinely believe the country is on the wrong path. “It is okay if you do not agree with my policies, but please favour us with your counterplan,” Ruto stated.
The President mocked what he called empty opposition rhetoric, likening it to fraudulent schemes. "The more I listen, the more it sounds like sloganeering without a plan. They are saying, 'Let Ruto go, and we will figure out the plan later.' That sounds like wash wash conmanship,” he added.
“If you truly have a better economic, education, health, or jobs plan, you should be bold enough to table it,” Ruto said, in a direct challenge to opposition leaders and critics.
Without naming him directly, the Head of State took a swipe at former Chief Justice David Maraga, who recently declared that Kenya was a failed State as he announced his presidential 2027 bid.
“I heard someone say Kenya is a failed state - yet he has served it for 40 years. How do you want to lead a country you believe has failed? How do you serve people you do not believe in?” Ruto posed.
He urged Kenyans to pause and reflect, suggesting that while his critics may accuse him of being wrong or even delusional, they could just as easily be the ones misleading the public.
"The critics may say I’m wrong, the cynics may say I’m lying, and the naysayers may even say I’m mad. But what if they are wrong - and they are? Pause, reflect, and give me a chance. When my time comes, I will go,” he said.
Ruto’s remarks come amid increasing political pressure and public dissatisfaction over the rising cost of living and implementation of tax reforms, which have sparked street protests and online campaigns calling for his resignation.
This has seen thousands of youth storm streets in protest of issues the government has struggled to address, including the instances of extrajudicial killings.
