President William Ruto has disclosed details of a tense engagement with a group of bishops who, he claims, urged him to revise or abandon some of the promises he made to Kenyans during the 2022 campaigns.
Speaking during the installation ceremony of Bishop Benjamin Kalanzo at AIC Bomani Church in Machakos County on Sunday, the Head of State said that religious leaders had privately told him to tone down his ambitions in order to align with the government’s current capabilities.
“There is a bishop, as well as other people, who came and told me, ‘You know whatever you promised, you did so because of the elections. Why don’t you revise some of that so the government can deliver what is possible?’ But I told them no,” Ruto revealed.
He firmly rejected the suggestion, stating that scaling down the promises would be a betrayal of the people’s expectations. “I’ve been accused of overpromising. But let me tell Kenyans, it’s not about overpromising, it’s about raising our ambition,” he added.
President William Ruto gestures during a past meeting. Photo: William Ruto Source: Facebook
The President also blamed past administrations for failing to implement transformative policies due to a lack of political will and courage. He pointed to the affordable housing agenda as one example that stalled under previous regimes.
Ruto reiterated his commitment to delivering on all campaign pledges, despite growing criticism over the pace of implementation. He said abandoning the promises would reflect failed leadership and keep the country trapped in mediocrity.
His remarks come amid increased pressure from civil society and political opponents, who argue that some pledges, such as reducing the cost of living, have yet to be fulfilled.
In the same event, Ruto donated Ksh20 million towards the construction of the AIC Bomani Church and promised further support. He said churches remain critical partners in the country’s development journey.