“I’m Not Interested In 20 Years Of Presidency!” – Ruto Says
President William Ruto dismissed claims on Tuesday that he intends to rule Kenya for 20 years, saying his priority is to transform the country.
During the Jukwaa la Usalama Report submission and a meeting with chiefs at State House, Ruto stated that some individuals had misread his previous words.
“I said I will transform the country into first world class, and this will happen in the next 20 years, and some people thought I was saying I will rule for 20 years,” he said.
“Do you think I’m mad? Do people think being a president is easy? Being criticised daily? I am waiting for the day I will finish my term and let someone else take the mantle.”
Nyinyi ni wajinga! Mnafikiria mimi ni mwendawazimu? – President Ruto blasts those claiming he said he will be President for 20 years pic.twitter.com/WprsuujtZj
— Uzalendo News (@UzalendoNews_KE) December 2, 2025
He added, “God willing, I will work on what I can. I have no interest in staying here.”
Ruto’s words come amid speculation and controversy about his political ambitions, as he clarifies that his objective is for national growth rather than a long-term stay in power.
In September 2025, Ruto stated that Kenya has the ability to achieve first-world status within the next two decades if residents band together and focus on productivity.
“We can be a first-world country in the next 20 years if we do the right things, and I speak as the leader of this nation today,” Ruto said.
“I want to ask the citizens of the Republic of Kenya: there is absolutely no reason why we are in the third world.”
There is no such thing as a benevolent dictator.
— Ing. Adika Okelo (@AStadevant) November 28, 2025
So what exactly does Ruto mean when he talks about ruling for 20 years?
History has already taught us what happens when a nation trades freedom for the illusion of certainty: it loses both.
Kenya has experimented with powerful,… pic.twitter.com/XobwiXnxaZ
The President claimed that the country’s problems arise not from a lack of resources, but from internal divides such as bigotry, tribalism, and hollow politics.
Ruto called on Kenyans to “tuwache chuki, ukabila, tuwache siasa ya bure na tupange kazi yetu sawasawa.”
On November 30, the President reinforced the assertion, claiming that Kenya might become a first-world nation over the next three decades.
“I have no doubt in my mind that it is possible to move Kenya from a third-world country to a first-world country before I die,” he said.
“By the time I get to 90, Kenya should be a first-world country. It’s possible. Others have done it.”
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Adding, “Who says Kenya cannot move from a third world to a first world in 30 years? We can do it. Believe me, we will do it. Let’s trust God. Let us believe in ourselves.”
Ruto highlighted recent infrastructure achievements, such as the opening of a 175-kilometre Rironi-Nakuru-Mau peak express highway stretch, which is projected to boost trade and networking.
He also stated that the administration intended to launch at least four additional large infrastructure projects next year as part of a broader growth strategy.
The statements, he said, were, however, taken out of context, adding that he did not mean that he would still be at the top office then.
“I’m Not Interested In 20 Years Of Presidency!” – Ruto Says
