Malala questions Ruto’s legacy compared to predecessors Moi, Kibaki, Uhuru
Democracy for Citizens Party deputy leader Cleophas Malala has once again questioned the kind of legacy President William Ruto will leave behind, saying the Head of State has done little to be remembered for.
In a hard-hitting interview on a local radio station on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Malala expressed disappointment over what he described as Ruto’s lack of tangible achievements compared to his predecessors.
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Malala argued that former Presidents Daniel Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta all left behind legacies that had visible and long-lasting impacts on ordinary Kenyans. He noted that while Moi’s administration was not without fault, his tenure is still remembered for initiatives like the free school milk program, fondly known as maziwa ya Nyayo.
Kibaki, he added, is celebrated for introducing free primary education and revitalising the economy.
In contrast, Malala said Ruto’s leadership has been marred by violence, broken promises, and policies that have led to the suffering of ordinary citizens. He cited recent incidents of police brutality during anti-government protests, highlighting the tragic case of a girl from Kiambu who was shot inside her house.
“I would like to remind Kenyans. Mzee Moi had his history, which we did not always like. But as children of Moi, when we are asked to remember him, we remember the free Nyayo milk. But children of today, when asked to remember their president, will recall being shot and killed. That girl from Kiambu, Bridgit, was shot inside her house. She was not even in the protests. Even the children from Butere were teargassed while showcasing their talents,” he said.
According to Malala, such incidents have defined the current administration’s relationship with the public, particularly the youth, who he says are now more familiar with state-sponsored violence than with any developmental programs.
Malala called for a political reset, stating that the country’s challenges can only be resolved by removing President Ruto from power. He warned that the suffering under Ruto’s leadership is affecting all Kenyans, but those in the Mt. Kenya region.
“What will we remember this president for? Moi ruled for 25 years, and we still have something to remember him by. Kibaki brought free education. And Ruto? That he ate food meant for soldiers and students in classrooms?”
Adding;
“William Ruto must be taken home first. Only then will things start to change. Because people are suffering, but those who will be destroyed completely are the people from Mt. Kenya,” he said.
Insignificant projects
This is not the first time Malala has criticised the president’s legacy. While addressing a congregation during a church service on April 6, 2025, the former Kakamega senator again raised concerns about Ruto’s development track record. He said past leaders left behind memorable projects that continue to benefit Kenyans today.
He praised the late President Mwai Kibaki for introducing free primary education and spearheading the construction of the Thika Superhighway, both of which, he noted, helped stabilise the country’s economy.
“Honourable Mwai Kibaki, during his time, introduced free primary education. He is the one who brought us the Thika Super Highway. We remember Kibaki for stabilising our economy,” Malala said.
He also cited major projects launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta during his two terms in office, including the Nairobi Expressway, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), and the Mau Mau Road.
“During Honourable Uhuru Kenyatta’s time, we saw the Nairobi Expressway, the SGR, and the Mau Mau road,” Malala added.
In contrast, Malala said Ruto’s leadership has lacked impactful development. Instead, he accused the president of focusing on low-level projects that do not measure up to the legacy expected of a Head of State.
“But now, what will we remember him for? Has he built any roads?. Every president has their legacy. We want to challenge Ruto. This is your third year in power. What are you doing? Your job is going around launching bedsitters. A whole president is going to launch a bedsitter, taking photos with a child inside the house,” he mocked.
