Ruto Doublespeak: Nation left scratching head over his rhetoric

Kenyan President William Ruto is known for his charisma, powerful speeches, and promise of a “hustler” revolution. But as his administration matures, so too does a curious pattern of doublespeak that leaves many Kenyans perplexed.
From contradictory statements to policies that don’t seem to align with the initial promises made during his campaign, Ruto’s words sometimes seem more like a riddle than a roadmap for national progress.
Ruto who won the 2022 election on the promise of transforming the country into a haven for the common “hustler,” has found himself at the center of public scrutiny, with many wondering if his policies and speeches are in direct contradiction to each other.
In his campaign speeches, Ruto touted his economic policies as a bold departure from the traditional politics of his predecessors. He promised to reduce the cost of living, eliminate corruption, and create more job opportunities for the youth.
However, in the months since he assumed office, some of his actions appear to tell a different story. For instance, during his campaign, he vowed to ensure that the cost of essential goods, including fuel, would go down under his watch. Yet, less than a year into his presidency, Kenyans are still grappling with rising fuel prices and exorbitant costs for basic commodities.
While the government has periodically assured the public that it’s working on measures to address these issues, the promises of price reductions seem to have been quietly shelved.
Ruto himself has said that it will take time to stabilize the economy, urging patience. But this new reality is worlds apart from the bold pledges he made to voters during his campaign.
Perhaps most perplexing is the contradiction in his approach to tackling corruption. The President often states that his government will fight corruption with the same vigor and zeal that he applied as Deputy President.
However, critics argue that his rhetoric doesn’t always align with his actions. While the government has prosecuted high-profile cases in the past, many have pointed out that figures close to Ruto have been implicated in corruption scandals, yet no major moves have been made to distance his administration from such scandals.
Kenyans are left wondering if this government is serious about holding the powerful accountable, or if the “war on corruption” was simply a catchy campaign slogan.
Ruto’s doublespeak also extends to his promises regarding youth employment. In his campaigns, he passionately spoke about creating jobs for young people, who make up a significant portion of the population. His administration introduced programs like the “Kazi Mtaani” initiative aimed at providing temporary employment to young people in urban areas.
While these initiatives may provide some relief, the long-term impact of such programs remains unclear. Critics argue that these measures are short-term solutions that don’t address the underlying structural issues in the job market. Kenyans are beginning to ask whether Ruto’s vision for youth empowerment is truly transformative, or just a series of stopgap measures that are unlikely to provide the sustainable opportunities that the country’s youth desperately need.
What’s even more confusing is the inconsistency in the President’s messaging on taxation. During the campaign, Ruto railed against what he described as the oppressive tax system of the previous regime. He promised to make the tax burden lighter, especially for those at the lower end of the economic ladder.
Fast forward to 2025, and Ruto’s administration has introduced tax hikes in various sectors, including on fuel and income taxes. These hikes have led to protests from ordinary citizens who are already struggling with inflation and stagnant wages. In an ironic twist, Ruto’s government now points to these tax hikes as necessary steps to fix the country’s fiscal deficit, while still claiming to be working for the common Kenyan.
The President’s doublespeak reached new heights when he addressed the ongoing issue of government debt. During his campaign, Ruto pledged to ensure that Kenya would not be burdened by unsustainable debt levels.
Yet, under his leadership, Kenya’s debt continues to soar, with critics accusing the government of borrowing excessively to finance its ambitious projects. Ruto has assured the public that the debt is manageable and that the government is taking steps to ensure it doesn’t affect future generations.
But many are left wondering how the country can move forward with such a large financial burden hanging over its head.
Even within his party, UDA,  Ruto’s doublespeak is evident. When he took over leadership of the party, he promised to be inclusive and open to dialogue. However, some party members have claimed that they are being sidelined in important decisions. Reports of internal wrangling and a lack of transparency in key government projects.
Aloys Michael is a Senior Governance and Security Journalist