President William Ruto has challenged opposition leaders to present a clear agenda and policy alternatives, arguing that criticism alone is not enough to win public support ahead of the general elections in 2027.

Speaking at State House in Nairobi during a meeting with grassroots leaders from Marsabit County on Friday, June 12, 2026, the president said that the opposition lacked ideas, vision and a development plan for the country.

“Hawa watu wanatupigia makelele mingi. They have no new ideas. They have no alternative plan. They have no vision or agenda. They have nothing. If you want us to compete, come up with an agenda,” Ruto challenged the opposition.

Ruto also issued a political warning to his rivals, vowing to defeat the opposition in the upcoming general elections in 2027.

“Tutawanyorosha asubuhi mapema sana,” he added.

The president told opposition leaders to stop engaging in name-calling and ethnic politics and instead offer Kenyans concrete proposals on governance, development and economic management.

During the meeting, Ruto reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that northern Kenya is not left behind in national development. He said the region would move together with the rest of the country in infrastructure, economic opportunities, and public services.

The president has repeatedly framed his government as focused on development and implementation, while urging political competitors to present alternative policies rather than relying on criticism of the administration.

Opposition criticises 2026/27 budget.

The sentiments from the head of state came hours after the cabinet secretary for budget, John Mbadi, unveiled the budget for the financial year 2026/27 in the National Assembly on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Hours before, the United Alternative Government unveiled an alternative budget that promises tax relief, lower borrowing and increased spending on education, healthcare and agriculture.

In a joint statement read by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Wednesday, the opposition unveiled what it termed the “People’s Budget”, an alternative fiscal framework which it says prioritises education, healthcare, job creation and lowering the cost of living while reducing the country’s fiscal deficit.

Kalonzo described the government’s proposed budget as “the largest spending plan in the history of the Republic of Kenya”, arguing that it is built on unsustainable borrowing and misplaced priorities.

“I have been in public service for over four decades. I have sat at cabinet tables, at the Office of the Vice President and in peace negotiations. I have seen Kenya at its best and I have seen what bad governance does to a people who deserve so much better than they have been given,” Kalonzo said.