Ruto Responds to Criticism Over UNGA Speech

President William Ruto has defended his address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), saying his international engagements are helping raise Kenya’s profile.

Speaking on Thursday, October 8, Ruto said Kenya had gained greater recognition and respect internationally as a result of its participation in global discussions.

"That is how you raise the profile of a country. Today I can say without fear of any contradiction that Kenya has a bigger profile and a lot of respect across the world because they know we are a serious nation," he said.

During his UNGA speech, Ruto called for reforms to the United Nations Security Council to give Africa a permanent representation in the body responsible for making major decisions on international peace and security.

He argued that Africa, which has 54 countries, should not continue being excluded from permanent membership of the council while decisions affecting the continent are made without its permanent representation.

Ruto also criticised what he described as double standards in the application of international law, arguing that inconsistent enforcement undermines confidence in global institutions and the international rules-based system.

He further addressed the growing number of armed conflicts globally, calling for stronger diplomacy, collective security mechanisms and greater emphasis on preventing conflicts before they escalate.

On economic matters, Ruto pushed for reforms to the international financial system, particularly over the high cost of borrowing faced by developing countries. 

He argued that expensive financing limits the ability of developing nations to invest adequately in healthcare, education and other development priorities.

Ruto also used the global platform to advocate for greater economic transformation across Africa.

He urged African countries to reduce their dependence on exporting raw materials and instead establish industries that can process local resources, create employment and generate greater value within the continent.

Meanwhile, Ruto has attributed his distribution of national development projects to the late Raila Odinga.

Speaking on Wednesday, October 7, he explained that Raila challenged his government to ensure equitable and inclusive transformation across the country.

Ruto intimated that Baba believed that no person and no region should be left behind; not because of where they live, their tribe or how they voted.

"Raila stated that the government must do this, not to be popular or win the next election, but because it is the right thing to do. I accept that challenge. I will carry it and promise to keep it alive.

"That is why our programmes reach every corner of our republic. Equity is not tokenism; it is justice," he stated.

Ruto recounted that the departed former Prime Minister had planned to open up neglected regions of the country through development.

He committed to ensuring that dream came alive by launching development projects in marginalised areas such as Western and North Eastern Kenya. 

Ruto noted that the dualling of the Ritoni-Mau Summit Highway and the SGR extension from Naivasha to Kisumu through Malaba would open up Western Kenya for more opportunities.

He added that his knowledge of Kenyan roads by heart was inspired by the late Odinga, who made a habit of understanding the country's road networks.

"If there is one thing that I learnt from Jakom, it is to remember places. He had a fantastic memory of where the roads lead. He knew a road is not just tarmac but a gateway to the community," he added.