President William Ruto has refuted claims that he intends to stay in power beyond the constitutionally stipulated time.
Speaking at State House Nairobi on Tuesday, December 2, during a meeting with chiefs and assistant chiefs, President Ruto said he has no interest in extending his stay in office.
”Kuna watu wako na tabia mbaya. Wengine wameenda kusema ati ohh Rais anapanga kukaa madarakani miaka 20, kwani mimi ni mwendawazimu?” the President wondered.
According to President Ruto, being a president is not for the faint-hearted.
He emphasized that leadership requires enduring a lot, especially when making difficult decisions.
”Kwani watu wanafikiria kazi ya kuwa rais ni raisi? Kupigiwa kelele kila siku?” he said.
The President added that he looks forward to completing his term and making way for the next in line.
”Mimi nangojea nimalize niende mwingine achukue asonge mbele,” he said.
Speculation about prolonging the presidential term arose following President William Ruto’s comments on Friday, November 28, where he reflected on the potential evolution of Kenya under the affordable housing initiative over the coming decades.
He asked, “If this work of building houses and markets across the country has taken two years, how about ten years, or twenty years? Won’t Kenya change?”
Certain social media commentators took these words as an indication of intentions to remain in office past the standard two terms.