Joshua Okayo: I can be a better president than Ruto
Good governance advocate Joshua Okayo has said he can be a better president than William Ruto.
In an exclusive interview with K24 TV on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Okayo said many mistakes were made in leadership.
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He went on to say that true leadership is not defined by roads built but by the character and integrity of the person in office.
True leadership
Speaking passionately during the prime time interview, Okayo argued that Kenya’s political culture has conditioned citizens to equate development solely with infrastructure projects.
“Most people, most of the time, think leadership is about building roads, but leadership is essentially about the person,” he said.
Okayo insisted that values, accountability, and vision matter more than physical projects.
According to him, a leader’s moral compass and commitment to public service determine whether a country thrives or struggles.
He maintained that he has the capacity to steer the country in a different direction if given the opportunity.
“I can be a better President than William Ruto,” Okayo stated confidently.
However, he was quick to acknowledge the realities of Kenyan politics, noting that financial muscle often overshadows ideas and integrity during campaigns.
Youth and the cost of politics
Okayo pointed out that many young leaders with transformative ideas are locked out of the presidential race because of the high cost of running a national campaign.
“But if I declare today that I am running for President, do you know what Kenyans would ask me? They would ask whether I have the billions required to run a presidential campaign,” he said.
He described this as a systemic challenge that discourages capable young people from seeking the highest office in the land.
According to Okayo, young people are ready to lead and bring fresh thinking into governance.
He urged Kenyans to rethink what qualifies someone to be president, saying competence and integrity should outweigh financial might.
His remarks have since sparked debate online, with some supporting his bold stance while others questioned whether youth-driven leadership can overcome entrenched political interests.
The interview has added fresh energy to ongoing conversations about governance, generational change, and the future of leadership in Kenya.
