Ruto: I was ordinary too, but I made it to State House
By Ascah Mwango, July 10, 2025President William Ruto has come out strongly in defence of his decision to invite what he called ordinary people to State House.
The president said he is also an ordinary Kenyan who has worked his way up through God’s grace.
Speaking on Thursday, July 10, 2025, during a meeting with Nairobi United FC at State House, Ruto fired back at critics who are accusing him of lowering the dignity of the presidency by welcoming common citizens into the country’s most prestigious facility.
“They’re now telling me that I’ve lowered the standards of the State House by bringing in ‘ordinary’ people,” the president said.
Adding;
“I am an ordinary person, too, but by the grace of God, I made it to the State House. Some people still can’t believe that I’m here, but yes, it’s me. I’m the one who’s here.”
Ruto reminded his critics that he is not ashamed of his background, having grown up in poverty and started off selling chicken on the roadside.
“I’m a chicken farmer; it is a very good business. Iko na pesa, by the way; I can give you tips. I have recruited many of my friends,” he added, while encouraging young people not to despise small beginnings.
Village boy
Throughout his presidency and even before, Ruto has consistently portrayed himself as a hustler, someone who understands the daily struggles of Kenyans.
During his inauguration on September 13, 2022, he famously said,
“A village boy has become the president of Kenya,” about his humble origins. He has often shared his story of selling chicken in the 1970s, saying, “When I talk about hustling, I am not joking. In 1978, I was selling chicken. At that time, I did not believe that I could be somebody.”
This narrative has become central to his leadership style and campaign messaging.
His recent defence comes at a time when he is facing public criticism over a Ksh1.2 billion church project being constructed at State House. Critics have questioned the need for such an expensive religious facility amid a tough economic climate.
But Ruto has remained unapologetic about the church.
“I am one person who believes in God, and I have no apologies to make for constructing a church. Do you understand me? I am not going to be sorry to anyone for building a church. We shall build the church of God,” he said while addressing a crowd on Friday, July 4, 2025.
Adding;
“Let the devil protest the decision and do that which he pleases. I am told that the papers are saying that I am building a church here at the State House. It is indeed true; I am building a church here at the State House.”
Ruto explained that the current chapel at State House is made of iron sheets and does not reflect the dignity of the institution. He insisted that constructing a proper church was necessary to match the status of the presidency and the country.