Willis Otieno Accuses Ruto of Clinging to Campaign Mode, Neglecting Governance

Nairobi, Kenya — September 23, 2025, 14:30 EAT. Lawyer and political commentator Willis Otieno has sharply criticised President William Ruto, accusing him of failing to transition from campaigner-in-chief to head of state more than three years after assuming office.

The Latest

In a strongly worded post shared on his official X account on Tuesday, Otieno argued that Ruto continues to operate as though the 2022 elections were still underway, prioritising political rallies and public spectacles over substantive governance.

“Ruto has never truly transitioned from candidate to head of state,” Otieno wrote. “He still operates as if he’s on the campaign trail; rallies, rhetoric, and politicking while governance takes a back seat.”

His remarks have ignited debate over Ruto’s leadership style at a time when the country faces rising living costs, a growing debt burden, and public unrest over tax and economic reforms.

Context in Brief

• Election legacy: Ruto won the 2022 elections on a populist “bottom-up” platform, promising economic transformation and youth empowerment.

• Public perception: While he has launched infrastructure projects and universal healthcare reforms, critics argue his frequent tours and fiery speeches blur the line between governance and campaigning.

• Economic headwinds: Kenya’s rising cost of living, a weakening shilling, and debt servicing challenges have fuelled demands for more policy-focused leadership.

Law, Policy, and Process

• Constitutional mandate: Article 131 of the Constitution vests executive authority in the President, requiring him to promote unity, ensure good governance, and protect the Constitution.

• Oversight mechanisms: Parliament and civil society have repeatedly called for increased accountability on economic and social policies rather than political posturing.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Willis Otieno, Lawyer & Analyst: “We elected a president, not a perpetual campaigner. Governance is about results, not rallies.”

• Political analysts: Some argue Ruto’s energetic style keeps him connected to voters, while others say it undermines the seriousness of his office.

• Opposition leaders: Have frequently accused the administration of “performative politics” amid worsening economic conditions.

Evidence & Data Box

• Ruto’s public events: Data from State House shows he has held over 200 public barazas and rallies since 2022.

• Economic indicators: Kenya’s public debt crossed KSh 11 trillion in 2025; inflation hovers around 7.5%.

• Public opinion: A September 2025 poll by Trends & Insights Africa showed 52% of Kenyans want the government to prioritise economic reforms over politics.

Risks and Implications

• Policy drift: Overemphasis on politics could delay key reforms on debt, healthcare, and education.

• Public trust erosion: Perceptions of inaction risk fuelling protests, especially among youth groups.

• Regional diplomacy: Kenya’s global reputation as a stable investment hub may weaken if governance concerns persist.

What We Don’t Know Yet

• Will Ruto pivot to a governance-focused agenda before the 2027 elections?

• How will State House respond to rising criticism over leadership style?

• Can economic reforms outpace growing public dissatisfaction?

Timeline

• 2022-08: William Ruto wins presidential election.

• 2023-2025: Frequent rallies and public tours dominate presidential calendar.

• 2025-09-23: Willis Otieno issues scathing criticism on X, sparking national debate.

What to Watch

• Upcoming State of the Nation Address: Expected in November 2025; may signal policy recalibration.

• Public protests: Youth movements have threatened demonstrations over economic hardship.

• Cabinet reshuffles: Analysts predict possible changes to inject technocratic expertise into government.

Editor’s Note: This article draws on Willis Otieno’s verified X account, parliamentary records, and economic data from the National Treasury and KNBS. Further updates will follow as the story develops.