Activist Kipkorir Ngetich Defends Ruto’s Record, Accuses Opposition of Peddling Lies and Propaganda

 

Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has strongly defended President William Ruto’s performance in government, accusing the opposition and other critics of deliberately misleading Kenyans through what he described as propaganda, misinformation and political rhetoric.

Ngetich, speaking on behalf of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, said President Ruto’s performance over the past four years should be assessed objectively and based on tangible developments across the country rather than political narratives aimed at discrediting the government.

He said it was unfair for critics of the President to claim that the government had failed to deliver, arguing that the administration had made significant progress in addressing economic challenges, infrastructure development, healthcare, housing, electricity connectivity and youth empowerment.

According to Ngetich, the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy commends President Ruto for what he termed an impressive development record since he assumed office.

“It is hypocrisy of the highest level for critics of President Ruto to mislead Kenyans through propaganda and lies that the government has not performed for the last four years,” Ngetich said.

He argued that the performance of a President should be evaluated against the circumstances under which he or she assumes office, noting that Ruto inherited what he described as a challenging economic situation characterised by heavy domestic and international debt.

Ngetich said the President had since focused on rebuilding and stabilising the economy through enhanced resource mobilisation, debt repayment and measures aimed at strengthening the country’s economic foundation.

He maintained that these efforts could be witnessed through various government programmes and projects being implemented across the country.

The human rights activist said leadership performance should not only be judged through political speeches or campaign promises but through measurable outcomes that directly affect the lives of citizens.

He said a leader’s ability to foster sustainable economic growth, reduce poverty, strengthen institutions, improve public services and maintain national cohesion should form the basis of evaluating performance.

Ngetich cited road construction and rehabilitation, increased electricity connectivity, affordable housing, healthcare programmes and youth empowerment initiatives as some of the areas where he believes the government has made notable progress.

He argued that the government’s focus on infrastructure and human capital development demonstrates an effort to direct public resources towards projects capable of generating long-term economic and social benefits.

According to Ngetich, investments in roads, transport infrastructure, healthcare, technology and modern education facilities are essential in positioning Kenya for sustainable development.

He challenged opposition leaders and other critics of the administration to provide Kenyans with alternative explanations on how they would have utilised public resources and why similar projects were not implemented during previous administrations.

Ngetich also defended the government’s resource mobilisation and management strategies, saying the speed at which some projects have been initiated and implemented demonstrates what he termed improved prioritisation of national resources.

He said effective leadership requires leaders to make difficult decisions, mobilise resources and ensure that available funds are directed towards programmes that have a direct impact on ordinary citizens.

The activist further called on Kenyans to look beyond partisan politics when evaluating the performance of the government, saying the President is constitutionally mandated to serve the entire country regardless of political affiliation.

He said political leaders aspiring to occupy the presidency in future should be guided by the Constitution and the oath of office taken by the holder of the presidency.

According to Ngetich, once elected, the President ceases to be a leader of a particular political party and becomes the President of all Kenyans.

He urged political leaders to avoid statements and campaigns that could divide Kenyans along ethnic, regional or political lines, saying national development requires unity and cooperation across political divides.

Ngetich also pointed to major private-sector investments as evidence that Kenya continues to attract investors despite the economic challenges facing the country.

He cited the launch of the Dangote refinery project in Lamu as an example of what he described as growing investor confidence in Kenya.

The activist said large-scale investments have the potential to create employment opportunities, expand the tax base, stimulate local economies and strengthen Kenya’s position as an investment destination.

He argued that such developments should be viewed from a national perspective rather than being reduced to political contestation.

Ngetich said the opposition has a responsibility to provide constructive criticism and offer alternative policies instead of dismissing every government achievement for political purposes.

He maintained that criticism is an important component of democracy but should be based on facts, evidence and patriotism.

“Effective leadership goes beyond mere political or organisational rhetoric. It requires concrete and measurable action that improves the wellbeing of the population,” he said.

The activist further argued that the government’s investments in physical and human capital could have long-term benefits for future generations, particularly through improved transport networks, healthcare, technology and modern learning facilities.

He said young people should be among the biggest beneficiaries of government development programmes, particularly those targeting skills development, employment and entrepreneurship.

Ngetich urged the government to continue strengthening programmes aimed at empowering young people while ensuring that development projects are implemented transparently and reach the intended beneficiaries.

At the same time, he called on Kenyans to remain united and concentrate on building the country rather than allowing political differences to undermine development.

He said the country’s development should remain a shared responsibility between the government, opposition, private sector, civil society and ordinary citizens.

Ngetich maintained that political competition should not become an excuse for denying or undermining genuine development achievements.

He accused some opposition figures of being driven by what he termed hatred and jealousy, arguing that some critics were unwilling to acknowledge positive developments simply because they were being implemented under President Ruto’s administration.

He nevertheless urged Kenyans to continue demanding accountability from the government while recognising projects and policies that positively affect citizens.

Ngetich said the ultimate measure of any government should be whether its policies improve the quality of life, create opportunities, strengthen institutions and leave the country in a better position than it was before.

He called on Kenyans to reject what he described as political propaganda and instead focus on facts, development and national unity as the country continues to prepare for the next phase of its political and economic journey.