Lynn Ngugi says Ruto was never a hustler, calls bottom-up narrative a big joke
By Paulette Mboga, July 3, 2026Media personality Lynn Ngugi has said President William Ruto was never a “hustler,” arguing that the bottom-up narrative presented during his campaign did not match his background.
She made the remarks while commenting on public criticism over the president wanting a better future for his children.
“I see people mad at Ruto (and rightfully so) for wanting “better” for his children. But we also need to ask ourselves some uncomfortable questions,” Lynn Ngugi said on Friday, July 3, 2026.
She explained that people should look beyond the current debate and reflect on the image that was presented during the campaign period. According to her, there were signs that many voters did not question before making their decisions.
“When he campaigned under the “hustler” narrative, did we ever stop to ask what hustling actually looked like for him? His children were already in elite schools. This isn’t overnight success. There was never anything “hustler-like” about him. The whole “bottom-up” narrative was a big joke,” Lynn Ngugi said.
Reflecting on Kenya’s election choices
She said responsibility should not rest with politicians alone after every election. According to her, voters also have a role to play, as they make the final decision about who leads the country.
“As much as we want to direct our anger at politicians after every election, we also have to accept a difficult truth: voters carry a huge responsibility for the choices this country ends up with. Hopefully, in 2027, we choose better. Because unless we do, nothing will change,” Lynn Ngugi said.
Lynn Ngugi added that leaders and their families continue to enjoy services that many ordinary Kenyans cannot access. She argued that this situation will continue unless voters make different choices in future elections.
“Their children will continue going to school in the West while they destroy the education system at home. They will continue flying abroad for treatment while our healthcare system continues to collapse. They will continue using helicopters while building substandard roads for the very people who elected them,” Lynn Ngugi said.