President William Ruto has told off critics whom he says are spreading negativity about Kenya and lacking vision for the country’s progress.

Speaking during a church service at the All Saints Pro-Cathedral in Samburu County on Sunday, November 9, 2025, Ruto said some leaders and citizens are too focused on fault-finding instead of working towards building the nation.

“I see many people who don’t believe in our country, I see many people who are negative about Kenya, I see many people who confess negative things about our country. And I want to tell you, the citizens of Samburu, as I tell the citizens of Kenya, we have a country like no other. We have a great country, we have a blessed nation. We must work for it, believe in it, believe in God, believe in ourselves, and believe in our country,” he said.

The president went on to criticise leaders who do not have clear plans or development ideas for the nation.

“Kama wewe ni kiongozi katika taifa letu la Kenya, na huamini nchi hii, huna maono ya maana yoyote, huna mipango yeyote ya kubadilisha Kenya, mambo yako tu ni negative. Unaturudisha nyuma,” he said.

Plan to elevate Maralal

Ruto also used the occasion to outline his administration’s plan to elevate Maralal into a small city, noting that the move would open up Northern Kenya to more development opportunities.

“Pia Samburu town hii yenu pia nimetafuta milioni mia tano za kutengeneza lami hapa kwa town. Hiyo ikae kama city ndogo hapa Maralal. We are planning so that we can improve the infrastructure around the city,” he said.

He added that water shortages in the region would soon be addressed through ongoing projects.

“Mimi vilevile nimekujia mambo yenu ya maji. Tulijenga dam kubwa, sasa tumetafuta mifereji na kwa mapenzi ya Mungu nataka mwaka ujao maji iwe imesambazwa hapa town yenu ndo ikae tena mali mzuri kama city,” Ruto said.

Maralal, the administrative headquarters of Samburu County, is expected to benefit from the planned upgrades, including improved roads and water systems. The president said the transformation would attract investors and create more opportunities for residents.

“The infrastructure of a city will attract more and quality investments, presenting an opportunity to harness its full potential,” he said.