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Ruto tells off re-election critics, calls for inclusive global reforms

President William Ruto in Kigali, Rwanda. (X/William Ruto)

By Bashir Mohammed | Saturday, May 18, 2024

The president's remarks came during the annual Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, where he joined other African leaders and business executives to discuss economic development and growth strategies.

President William Ruto has told off critics who constantly remind him to consider his re-election prospects whenever he makes decisions affecting the country.

Speaking at the Africa CEO Forum in Rwanda on Saturday, Ruto emphasised that he was elected to transform Kenya, not to secure another term in office.

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"I was not elected to be re-elected, I was elected to transform this country," Ruto said, adding that leadership is about making the right decisions for the people, regardless of political consequences.

The president also lamented that some individuals often caution him to tone down his remarks to avoid annoying certain groups. However, Ruto asserted that it is his duty to speak the truth and advocate for what is right, even if it's not popular.

"When I speak in some forums, people come to me and whisper to me, don't say too much because these people might get annoyed with you and I ask myself, it’s not in my place to say what people want to hear or what is popular, it is in my position to say what is right. What is right is not necessarily popular and it is the conversation we are having in Kenya," Ruto said.

President Ruto called for a more inclusive approach to the ongoing reforms of international financing institutions, citing the current system as unfair and neglectful of developing countries' interests. He emphasised the need to democratise the boards of multilateral development banks, ensuring all members have an equal say in management.

“Concessional loans have many benefits. They are long-term and can easily be leveraged by the private sector to enhance those resources,” said Ruto.

“This will help pull many countries out of debt distress and give them the opportunity to pursue their development goals.”

Ruto also highlighted the importance of allocating resources to address climate change challenges and prioritising value addition to enhance exports as a percentage of GDP. He warned that corruption must be dealt with to ensure resources benefit all people.

The president's remarks came during the annual Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, where he joined other African leaders and business executives to discuss economic development and growth strategies.