Speaking on Thursday, October 30, while on a development tour in Malava, Kakamega County, President Ruto accused the opposition principals of engaging themselves in retrogressive politics at the expense of the country's development.
"Let me ask you, Malava people, when you look at me like this, are those people the only ones I'm competing with?" Ruto asked. "My only worthy competitor was Raila Odinga. I will finish these ones in the morning."
The President accused opposition leaders of promoting tribalism and hate speech instead of presenting concrete ideas to improve the country's economy and governance.
"And not for no reason. It's because they have no agenda, no plan. They are just fueling tribalism, hate, bringing about chaos and losses," he said.
President Ruto called on Kenyans to shift their attention away from early political campaigns and instead focus on national development priorities.
"Let's plan about the roads, education, employment, health and the rest, then we meet at 2027," he urged.
He also defended his decision to form a broad-based government, saying it was designed to foster unity and eliminate ethnic divisions. The President pointed out his working relationship with former opposition leaders, including DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa and former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, as evidence of inclusive leadership.
"I want to ask you Malava people to work with me. Baraza was in Azimio, Oparanya was in Azimio, but because they are leaders with a vision, we decided to put our differences away and work together. That is why we created the broad-based government to do away with tribalism and unite the whole country," Ruto explained.
During the Malava tour, President Ruto officially launched the KSh3.6 billion tarmacking of the 34-kilometre Turbo-Sikhendu Road at Pan Paper in Lugari Constituency.
The major infrastructural development cuts across Kakamega, Bungoma, Uasin Gishu, and Trans Nzoia Counties, ensuring interregional connectivity which opens up markets, and stimulates trade and agriculture.
He also inspected the ongoing construction of the Pan Paper Economic Stimulus Programme Market, which seeks to create jobs, revive businesses, and boost economic activity in the area.