Ruto blames fake news for criticism he receives from Kenyans

Before delegates and other citizens at Uhuru Gardens, President Ruto highlighted achievements made by his government, more so in the housing, healthcare sector and digital transformation. 

Ruto, who has lately been receiving backlash on social media platforms said he is open to criticism from Kenyans, as long as it is based on facts. 

“I have no problem with discourse, criticism and alternative proposals. In fact, I welcome them and listen to feedback in order to learn, improve and become better,” Ruto noted. 

He went ahead to fault criticism based on falsehoods perpetrated through digital platforms. Ruto warned on the use of digital platforms to spread disinformation packaged as factual information. 

“We are at the stage in social development when digital technologies have immense capacity to amplify disinformation, magnify fake news and distort facts beyond all recognition. If we give in to these emerging negative trends, we shall pay with our freedom, democracy and development,” said Ruto. 

The Head of State argued that if Kenyans do not engage in truthful discourse, then it breed negativity and “turn us into a people estranged from unity who sabotage development, undermine democracy and destroy our Republic in the pursuit of political expediency.”

Ruto argued that, unlike the criticism he receives, the cost of living has gone down, farmers are more productive and Kenyans are receiving better services through Taifa Care. 

“If some of us persist in the culture of reckless negativity, for how long will cynics mobilise Kenyans to deny facts that they can touch, feel and see? What will they say in a few weeks’ time when we begin to give keys to the new owners of affordable housing units?” he said. 

On December 3, Ruto slammed Kenyans fond of opposing his projects and his leadership style. 

"There is an evil spirit of opposing everything… affordable housing, cow vaccinations, university model, they oppose healthcare matters,” he said. 

“They are now opposing church donations, what is this surely? An evil spirit of opposing everything.”