President William Ruto has brushed off fresh criticism from opposition leaders, saying he will focus on delivering projects for Kenyans and spend only “one per cent” of his time on political disputes.
Speaking on Wednesday during the groundbreaking ceremony of Busia Stadium in Busia County, Ruto struck a defiant tone after a day of public exchanges between government officials and critics.
He said his administration would not be distracted by political attacks. Instead, he said, it would keep its attention on service delivery and national development.
“I will give you one per cent of my time,” he said, referring to the criticism.
Ruto doubles down on a results-first message
Ruto’s remarks come at a time of heightened political tension. Leaders have traded accusations in public, raising concerns about deepening divisions.
In Busia, the President urged politicians to shift away from rhetoric that fuels disunity. He said the country should focus on solving problems rather than amplifying differences.
He also positioned his response as a refusal to be drawn into prolonged political confrontation.
A call for ODM and UDA to work together
Ruto used the event to push a message of unity across party lines.
He called for cooperation between major political formations, including ODM and UDA, and urged leaders to unite against issues such as tribalism, discrimination and division.
“We are uniting Kenya,” he said, while urging leaders to avoid political conduct that undermines cohesion.
Why Busia Stadium mattered in his speech
The Busia Stadium project provided the backdrop for the President’s political message.
The government has framed the stadium as part of a wider push to invest in infrastructure and create opportunities for young people through sports. Leaders at the ceremony welcomed the project, pointing to the potential for jobs, local business activity and talent development.
Even so, the speech carried clear political undertones, reflecting how national debates continue to shape public events.
A strategy to limit political noise
By saying he will give critics “one per cent” of his time, Ruto signalled a deliberate approach.
He appeared to be telling supporters that his government intends to respond to criticism by prioritising delivery over argument. At the same time, his unity pitch suggested he wants to project inclusivity even as disputes continue.
Ruto’s message in Busia was direct. He says he will keep his focus on serving Kenyans, and not on trading blows with political rivals.
