President William Ruto has urged Kenyans living in the United Kingdom to remain hopeful and not be swayed by the constant stream of negative news from back home.
Speaking during a diaspora town hall meeting in London on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, Ruto addressed the growing concerns raised by Kenyans abroad regarding the political tension and troubling media narratives dominating the headlines.
The president, currently on an official visit in the UK following engagements in Spain, reaffirmed his commitment to making difficult but necessary decisions for Kenya’s long-term progress.
“Our newspapers are filled with bad news from the first page to the last, headline to headline. You’d think the country is burning. But I want to assure you, we have a nation to protect and a future to build. I promised to lead from the front, and that’s exactly what I will do. I must make a difference. No matter how tough the decisions are, I will make them—because that’s the only way to move Kenya forward,” he said.
Ruto’s remarks came in response to questions from diaspora members who voiced concerns about the direction of the country. One attendee pointed to the ongoing political wrangling despite elections being two years away.
“The election is a one-day event. Kenya is a work in progress every single day,” Ruto replied. “We cannot focus on a one-day job for five years. We need to work on other things that matter to our citizens.”
He acknowledged that some advisers had warned against introducing tough reforms during his first term. However, he dismissed the idea of playing it safe for popularity.
“If I can do it in five years, why wait for ten? I could choose to be popular and make convenient decisions, but that’s not me. I choose to make the right decisions that will move Kenya forward,” he stated.
The president also touched on the rise of toxic social media discourse, calling out online negativity while highlighting the digital space’s economic potential.
“Yes, sometimes social media is full of insults. But there are also people using the internet to earn a living and support their families. That’s the space we’re working to protect and expand,” he said.
Ruto’s visit to the UK aims to strengthen bilateral ties, sign trade and technology agreements, and advocate for financial reforms on the global stage.
Meanwhile, after the town hall, the president proceeded to a meet-and-greet session.
During the interaction, a visibly excited Kenyan-Indian man breached security to take a selfie with Ruto. The moment has since gone viral online, sparking mixed reactions over the breach of protocol.
Despite the security lapse, the atmosphere remained light as the president continued to engage with Kenyans abroad, encouraging them to stay connected to the country’s progress.
