Former nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of misleading Kenyans and describing him as a “smart con-man” who has perfected the art of convincing people despite growing frustrations over unmet promises.

Speaking with a local station during an interview on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 Orwoba claimed that Ruto possesses a unique ability to engage critics and leave them defending him, even when questions are raised about his leadership and delivery record.

According to Orwoba, the President has mastered the skill of turning difficult conversations into moments of political survival by persuading those around him to ignore concerns raised against his administration.

“William Ruto is smart enough to meet you and let you ask him questions. He will then make you leave the boardroom inspired and convinced. So you will be ready to defend him and even claim that he was being unfairly accused. He is a smart con-man,” Orwoba said.

Her remarks come amid growing political debate over the Kenya Kwanza administration’s delivery record, particularly on economic promises made during the 2022 General Election campaign.

Manifesto under sharp criticism

Orwoba, who revealed she was part of the team involved in drafting the Kenya Kwanza manifesto, admitted she now believes those promises helped create unrealistic expectations among millions of Kenyans.

“Having been part of the team that drafted the manifesto, I think we participated in setting the stage for a con man,” she stated.

Her criticism adds fresh pressure on the government at a time when public dissatisfaction continues to rise over unemployment, taxation and the high cost of living.

Ruto insists promises will be fulfilled

The criticism contrasts sharply with President Ruto’s own defense of his administration made during a National Executive Retreat held in Karen last year, where he maintained that all commitments outlined in the Kenya Kwanza manifesto remain achievable despite public criticism.

“The accusation I often get is that we over-promised. But I want to tell you, we did not over-promise. We promised what is doable,” Ruto said at the retreat.

The President further insisted that his administration remains committed to delivering on every pledge made to Kenyans.

“All the commitments we made to the people of Kenya are documented in our manifesto, and I am very clear in my mind that we will deliver on that manifesto successfully,” he said.

Orwoba’s remarks now reopen debate over whether the government’s ambitious promises were realistic or simply political persuasion that sold Kenyans false hope.