Ruto Clarifies ‘20-Year Presidency’ Claims, “It’s Not Easy Being Yelled At Everyday”

President William Ruto has responded to claims suggesting that he wants to serve Kenya for 20 years in the wake of his ambitious plan to tranform Kenya into a First-world country in the next twenty or so years.

“We have the plans and the vision to change this country from a Third World country to a First World country,” Ruto stated last month. “It is possible to take this country to that level in our lifetime, in about 20 to 30 years.”

Read More – Ruto Announces Ksh4 Trillion Blueprint to Transform Kenya into a First-World Nation

While speaking during a Jukwaa la Usalama forum at State House on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, Ruto stated that people misinterpreted him and took his remarks out of context.

Ruto explained that he envisioned how the country would look in 20 years, based on the progress the nation has made over the past two years. He noted that his statement about two decades was merely a projection of Kenya’s potential growth and was not intended to suggest that he wants to serve beyond the constitutional term limit of 10 years.

The President continued to state that he wants to serve only as the Constitution allows, explaining that being a president is overwhelming and that people sometimes accuse him of things he hasn’t done.

“Unajua nilisema hivyo juzi watu wengine wako na tabia, watu wengine wakasema huyu mtu atakuwa rais miaka ishirini…kwani mimi ni wazimu? Watu wanadhani hii kazi ya kuwa rais ni kazi rahisi ya kupigiwa kelele kila siku,” Ruto said.

He further stated that during his time in office, he will work his best to deliver on his mandate and then hand over the mantle to the next person.

Billionaire Businessman Wishes Ruto Would Be President for 20 Years

Ruto’s remarks come a week after DEVKI Group founder Narendra Raval sparked fresh debate about the presidential term limit by openly proposing that Ruto should remain in office for 20 years, praising what he described as transformative economic reforms under the current administration.

Raval made the remarks during the commissioning of the Devki Steel Factory in Tororo District, Uganda, where he argued that President Ruto’s policies have strengthened the shilling, lowered inflation, and boosted investor confidence. He insisted that Kenya needs consistent leadership to sustain this momentum.

“Again, I will repeat, although the Constitution does not allow, I will say you should be there for 20 years. I know the last time when I said this, I was heavily criticised, but if you want to remove unemployment in the country, we need this,” Raval said, doubling down on his earlier endorsement of Ruto’s leadership.

The industrialist hailed the administration’s success in cutting inflation from nearly 10 percent to around 4 percent, saying the achievement reflects strategic decision-making rather than political luck. He argued that the President’s leadership rests on seeking expert advice and implementing well-timed interventions.

“A leader is not an expert in everything, but he hires the experts and takes the correct decisions at the correct time. I salute him because foreign direct investments have tripled in three years’ time. Congratulations!” he added.

Raval asserted that managing inflation and stabilizing the broader economy requires an administration that surrounds itself with competent advisors and acts decisively.

“He has reduced Kenya’s inflation. That is not magic; he hired experts and made the right decisions at the right time,” the businessman noted.

This was not the first time Raval backed extending President Ruto’s tenure. In 2024, while commissioning a Kes.45 billion Cemtech Limited clinker plant, a subsidiary of the Devki Group, he showered praise on Ruto.

“I have no words to say but to thank him. He loves us so much, he loves this country. God give him 100 years of life, I wish that we have this president for 25 years…mahali ingine iko miaka mingi sana, if we have him hii inchi itabadilika sana,” the billionaire said in West Pokot.

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