Willis Otieno blames Ruto, claims State House turned into marketplace of deals and corruption
By Kiprono Keileb, September 23, 2025Lawyer and political commentator Willis Otieno has sharply criticised President William Ruto, arguing that the Head of State has failed to transition from being a campaigner to being a leader.
In a strongly worded statement posted on his official X account on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, Otieno said Ruto still operates as though the 2022 elections are yet to be decided, choosing to remain on the campaign trail with endless rallies, speeches, and rhetoric instead of focusing on the real work of governance.
“Ruto has never truly transitioned from candidate to head of state. He still operates as if he’s on the campaign trail; rallies, rhetoric, and politicking while governance takes a back seat,” Otieno said.
Watch: Willis Otieno blames Ruto, says State House is now a hub of corruption and backroom deals.
He added that the presidency, which should act as the nerve centre of policy, direction, and service delivery for Kenyans, has instead lost its dignity. According to him, the State House has now become a trading ground for influence, money games, and corruption.
“State House, instead of being the nerve centre of policy and service delivery, has degenerated into a marketplace of deals, corruption, and money games,” he remarked.
Otieno painted a picture of a country where ordinary citizens are left leaderless as the president prioritises politics over governance. He argued that while Kenyans struggle with unemployment, the high cost of living, and shrinking opportunities, the highest office in the land is caught up in endless political manoeuvring.
“The tragedy is that while Ruto is busy trading influence, ordinary Kenyans are left without leadership,” Otieno warned.
His remarks reflect growing frustration from sections of the public who feel the promises made during the campaign have not translated into real change. Many expected the Kenya Kwanza administration to shift quickly from campaign rhetoric to practical solutions for everyday problems, but Otieno says that transition never happened.
Otieno’s comments also reignite the conversation about the role of the State House in shaping national priorities. To him, the office should be a symbol of order and accountability. Instead, he believes it has been turned into a political marketplace that benefits a few while leaving the majority of citizens behind.
As Kenyans continue to wait for answers to their daily struggles, Otieno insists that the President must leave the campaign mode behind and embrace the responsibilities of leadership.