Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda has defended President William Ruto against criticism over his busy travel and work schedule, arguing that leaders should be judged by results rather than how often they are seen on the road.

After President William Ruto addressed a public rally and thanksgiving event at Burieruri High School on Sunday, June 28, 2026, Zaheer Jhanda took to X to defend the president against growing criticism over his frequent tours across the country and his hands-on leadership style.

Jhanda said the debate around Ruto’s schedule misses the bigger issue of government delivery and accountability.

“Leadership is measured by results, not by how often critics mock a busy schedule,” Jhanda wrote.

He added that some people who once doubted Ruto’s energy and work ethic are now criticising the same commitment they previously questioned.

“Those who never imagined William Ruto would maintain such an intense work ethic now dismiss that same commitment as ‘control’. Oversight is not autocracy. Accountability is not dictatorship,” he stated.

The MP said every administration should be judged on policies, development projects, and respect for democratic institutions instead of assumptions about how many hours a president should work.

Jhanda’s remarks came shortly after Ruto strongly defended his nationwide tours during the Meru event.

“I will continue travelling Kenya. I do not ask for anyone’s permission. I do not ask for anyone’s time,” Ruto told the crowd.

The president said his work requires direct engagement with citizens and local leaders across the country. He insisted that his movements are part of monitoring government projects and ensuring promises made to Kenyans are implemented.

The issue of Ruto’s travel schedule has remained part of the national political debate since he took office. Opposition leaders and some critics have questioned the frequency of his county visits and foreign trips. However, his allies argue that the president’s tours have improved government oversight and accelerated project implementation.

Jhanda’s defence reflects a growing position within Kenya Kwanza ranks that performance should remain the central measure of leadership.

Ruto lists key plans

During the Meru rally, Ruto highlighted several projects and policy decisions his administration is implementing.

On education, the president announced that the government had allocated funds to recruit 24,000 teachers in the current financial year. He said the move aims to reduce teacher shortages in public schools across the country.

Ruto also addressed recent cases of unrest in schools, warning students against violence and destruction of property.

“We have seen unrest in schools. Know that choices have consequences,” he said.

The President called on parents to become more involved in raising children instead of leaving discipline entirely to schools.

“A school can educate a child, but it cannot raise one. Be present in your child’s life,” he added.

Ruto further announced that village elders will begin receiving government stipends from July 1. He said chiefs, assistant chiefs, and village elders would also be expected to ensure government programmes are working properly in their areas.

On infrastructure, the President confirmed that the government had set aside Ksh7 billion for the construction of the Nithi Bridge project, which has stalled for nearly three decades.

“The contractor is already there. We have completed compensation. This problem has been there for 30 years,” Ruto stated.

The president also criticised opposition leaders, accusing them of celebrating economic disruption during recent protests that affected businesses and transport in several towns.

“The way they never worked for Kenyans for 50 years, they celebrated when Kenyans did not go to work the other day,” he said.

Ruto also defended Deputy President Kithure Kindiki from political attacks, saying his deputy would prove critics wrong through performance.