'I was provoked,' Ruto says over outburst
Politics
By
Mary Imenza
| Mar 18, 2026
President Ruto delivers remarks at the Nangina Affordable Housing Project in Funyula Constituency, Busia County. [Benard Lusigi, Standard]
President William Ruto has defended his recent remarks directed at his political opponents, saying he was merely responding to attacks initiated against him.
Speaking in Funyula Constituency during the launch of the construction of the Nangina–Matayos–Sio Port Road to Muluanda, the President maintained that he would not shy away from confronting critics.
Slamming the United Opposition leaders for their supposed gluttony, while also asking them to hit the gym and watch their appetites.
READ MORE
Co-op Bank secures Sh233M boost for Kenya's digital enterprises
While local businesses struggle, foreigners are finding fortune
Court okays auction of Chase Bank property over Sh1.3 billion debt
Training institute, tech: How matatus industry seeks to sanitise sector
NSE hit as Iran-Israel war threatens economy
How robotics is aiding critical thinking, innovation in rural areas
Old Mutual profit hits Sh856m despite Tanzania unit exit
Africa needs 150,000 more construction managers by 2035, PMI report warns
Kenya farm exports to gain duty free access to Chinese market
Turf wars at anti-counterfeit agency as legal chief interdicted
“I was responding to those who started it. I am ready to face them one by one. One per cent of my time I will deal with you,” Ruto said, in reference to his opponents.
He said he is working on his body to keep fit in the gym.
“I didn't say you are eating at my place. Reduce the banana portion. If you were eating at my home, I would have reduced your food portion, too. Eating a banana is not a mistake, but just reduce the consumption,”he said.
President Ruto launches construction of the 15km Matayos-Nangina and Nangina-Sio Port–Mumbaka road at a cost of Sh773 million. [Benard Lusigi, Standard]
The head of state said that if he had a lot of weight like his opponents, he would have arrived at the rally late.
“I want to stay alert. Those with weight are still asleep by now, but I am awake. I do a lot of exercise in the gym. I'm disciplined enough to know how much to eat, so I can stay alert.
The president vowed to be ready to get messy, openly admitting that he was willing to get personal, as that was the direction the Opposition was taking, too.
“If you want us to go down that road, I'm ready for you. 1% of my time, I'll deal with you... 99% of my time, I will serve the people of Kenya," Ruto vowed.
The Head of State, who also inspected ongoing affordable housing projects in Nangina, reiterated his administration’s commitment to development across all regions, noting that Busia County had lagged behind due to years of neglect.
President William Ruto inspects the progress of the Nangina Affordable Housing Project in Funyula Constituency, Busia County. [Benard Lusigi, Standard]
Ruto said past governments had sidelined the border county, denying residents key infrastructure and economic opportunities. He pledged to reverse the trend by ensuring the equitable distribution of national resources.
“Busia has lost development opportunities for a long time due to discrimination. That must change. We will make sure this region develops like the rest of the country,” he said.
The President’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions between the government and sections of the opposition.
Ruto is currently on a development tour of the Western region, accompanied by several national and county leaders, where he is launching and inspecting key infrastructure projects aimed at boosting trade and improving livelihoods.