Ruto slams politicians opposing his transformation agenda as prophets of doom
By Luke Oluoch, November 22, 2025President William Ruto has continued his attacks on critics of his economic transformation agenda, labelling them prophets of doom.
Speaking at the Gospel Embassy Chapel in Kisii County on Saturday, November 22, 2025, Ruto dismissed the critics as pessimists who should move aside and let the government work for Kenyans.
He said such pessimistic leaders were the main hindrance to Kenya’s quest to achieve economic transformation and growth.
Pessimists
“Kenya’s problem is a lack of vision and people with narrow minds,” he said. “When we say we’ll build a road from Nairobi to Mombasa, they claim it’s impossible. Those are just prophets of doom. I keep telling them we can do it. If others have done it, why can’t we? Those who think it can’t be done must move aside and let us get on with it—we have a plan,” he stated.
The president outlined the country’s plans, from infrastructure development to economic initiatives aimed at boosting education, agriculture, and housing.
“We’re building market infrastructure in the country on a scale never seen before. We want businesspeople to operate in clean, well-ventilated spaces with good storage and better facilities.”
Ruto reaffirmed his vision of making Kenya a first-world country in his lifetime, stressing that the dream is achievable.
Affordable housing critics
“We have a blessed nation, and we have a responsibility to develop it. I’ve spent my life working towards making Kenya a first-world country, and I’m confident we’ll get there.”
The president’s remarks come after he similarly took a swipe at critics of his government’s affordable housing programme, dismissing their doubts as unfounded.
Speaking during his State of the Nation Address at Parliament on Thursday, November 20, 2025, Ruto said that the critics had wished that the affordable housing project would stall, but upon realising that it was on course, the conversation has shifted from doubting to everyone now asking how they can acquire a unit.
“Three years ago, when we said we would deliver affordable housing, the cynics dismissed it as a fantasy. When they realised we were serious, they called it impossible. And when we broke ground across the country, they suggested that the projects would stall,” Ruto said.
“Today, those doubts have given way to a very different question from Kenyans everywhere: How do I get one of those units?” he added.