President William Ruto has defended himself against claims that he often makes statements that are unrealistic or untrue, saying his vision for Kenya is based on faith, unity, and accountability.

Speaking on Sunday, August 31, 2025, after a church service at St. Peter’s ACK Cathedral in Siaya County, the president told the congregation that he sees a future that many may not yet recognise but which is possible if the country works together.

“I am saying this with this passion because I can see the future and I can see a different Kenya. Many people sometimes accuse me of saying things that are not there because I can see them. Many people cannot see but I can see a different Kenya if we keep the faith, if we stick together, if we stay focused, if we are patriotic, if we are accountable,” Ruto said.

The Head of State urged Kenyans to embrace optimism and resist negativity, stressing that transformation takes time but requires belief in shared national values. He noted that his administration’s reforms, particularly in healthcare and public procurement, were evidence that change is already underway.

Ruto demands verification first

On healthcare, Ruto stood firm that the government would not release funds owed under the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) without proper verification. He explained that the Ksh30 billion debt inherited by the Social Health Authority (SHA) would only be paid once fraudulent claims were eliminated.

“We are not going to pay until we verify. Because we are not going to spend public money to pay corrupt people,” he said, adding that hospitals blocking the verification process were trying to protect corruption networks.

He further highlighted that the new digital SHA systems had already exposed fraud that had persisted for years, with some facilities inflating claims, admitting ghost patients, and manipulating records.

The President also linked his wider reform agenda to public procurement, saying digitisation through e-procurement would end inflated contracts and promote transparency. He warned government officers resisting the system that they had no place in his administration.

“Any officer who is not ready to work with us in e-procurement should leave government,” he stated.

Ruto concluded by calling on citizens to remain focused, united, and hopeful, saying that accountability and patriotism were the building blocks of the Kenya he envisions.