Sunroof executive: Critics accuse Ruto of premature campaigns
President William Ruto is on the spot for what his critics have called a blatant case of premature campaigns disguised as countrywide development tours, focusing on opposition areas.
Critics have taken issue with the President’s impromptu stops on the sunroof of his car to sell his Bottom Up Economic Agenda and appease his turf, 17 months into his presidency.
The opposition says President Ruto’s action points to a man seeking validation from Kenyans and repackaging his image. But his lieutenants have supported his move, describing it as the best way to stay in touch with citizens.
A year into his presidency, Dr Ruto has visited all counties in Mt Kenya, Coast, Rift Valley and some parts of Nyanza and Western. The month of February alone, President Ruto has so far visited seven counties. These include Nakuru, Nyeri, Kiambu, Murang’a, Kakamega, Vihiga and Bungoma.
Now, the President’s leadership style is being questioned, with his critics describing the extensive working tours as a plan to re-strategise for 2027 and reassure his restless base.
“It is an insecurity that comes out of the fact that William Ruto has built nothing and I dare anyone to show me a project of the national government that was begun by this administration and completed by this administration for him to go and launch” says Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna
Sifuna, who is also Azimio’s deputy minority leader in the Senate, argues that the President has lost touch with the electorate.
“As a politician when you have nothing to show in terms of your output as an elected leader then it becomes very fashionable to express and explain yourself on those rooftops you are talking about. because he wants the validation of the people that somehow he is still popular. to demonstrate people still like him or support him,” he says.
Kenya Kwanza’s Nyali MP and a commissioner in the Parliamentary Service Commission, Mohamed Ali, says the president is on track as planned.
“Whatever the president is doing is to make sure that he is on the ground. To make sure that he hears from the people, but not from the intermediaries in between. Because one of the problems we have in this country is that we listen to the advice of the people rather than the advice of the voters.”
“So what the president is doing and I really support him because it is working, he is going on the ground and finding out whether the said project has started or not….And people feel connected to the president,” he says.
Prof Gitile Naituli, a professor of management and leadership, argues that the president’s management style of making frequent visits is counterproductive.
“You can’t say the president is doing management by walking around because he’s on the car. He is not talking to the people who matter. He needs to meet with the governors in every county and even the MCAs. Because when you go to the counties, the people who matter are the governors and the MCAs,” he said.
Prof Naituli argues that the president should spend much of his time in the office where he can receive reports from experts in different sectors of the economy, evaluate them and ask questions.
“The reason why you are a chief of staff or you are a chief adviser to the president is so that you can evaluate the requests that come to the president and be able to reject some and accept some because executive time is extremely important. so it’s like they don’t allow the president to rest,” he said.
Even as President Ruto continues with his countrywide tours, at the end of the day the situation of the people will be dictated by their ability to feed their families and meet their basic needs as envisaged in his campaign promises.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.