Kwani mi ni wazimu: Ruto clarifies planning to rule for 20 years
By Paulette Mboga, December 2, 2025President William Ruto has said he is looking forward to the day he will step down, adding that he has no intention of holding onto the presidency longer than his time allows.
He made the remarks while addressing the claims that he plans to stay in power for twenty years at the Jukwaa la Usalama Report at the State House on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
He said some people had misunderstood his earlier comments and claimed he wanted an unusually long stay in office. Ruto dismissed that claim and explained that the job itself is not the simple role people assume it to be.
He joked that it is not a position anyone would want to hold forever, especially with the constant pressure that comes with it.
Ruto said, “Nilisema hivi juzi, watu wengine wako na tabia mbaya. Wakasema huyu mtu amesema atakua rais miaka ishirini. Kwani mimi ni wazimu? Kwani watu wanafikiria hii kazi ya rais ni kazi ya rahisi? Ya kupigiwa kelele kila siku? Mimi nangojea siku nitatoka hapa niende.”
He added that the office comes with many demands and that he is very aware that leadership is a relay. He noted that when his time comes, someone else will take over and continue with the work meant for them.
No interest
Ruto also explained that he has no special interest in extending his stay and only wants to work hard with the time he has been given. He said his focus is on doing his best and leaving the rest to God.
He said, “Mwingine achukue, asonge. Ama namna gani? Mungu akinipatia nafasi mimi nitafanya bidi, kwa ile Mungu atanipatia nafasi. I have no interest. Nyinyi mnanielewa my friends?”
He maintained that his commitment is to serve with the energy he has now and move aside when the moment comes. His remarks were light and humorous, showing that he was not taking the speculation too seriously. Instead, he wanted to make it clear that leadership is not a lifelong seat and that he knows it has an end.