Mudavadi Defends President Ruto Amid Economic Challenges: “Leadership Demands Hard Choices”

Nairobi, The Gulf Observer: Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has publicly defended President William Ruto, acknowledging the immense pressures confronting the Head of State as he navigates Kenya through a period of economic uncertainty and complex governance decisions.

Speaking at a public forum, Mudavadi emphasized that while President Ruto actively pursued the presidency and was elected by the people, the weight of leadership, especially in the current political and economic climate, is a demanding responsibility.

“It is not easy to be in the space that he is in,” Mudavadi stated. “I am not making excuses for him because he sought the office and the voters granted him the mandate. But nevertheless, one must try to imagine the kind of life he leads.”

In a reflective address, the Prime Cabinet Secretary urged Kenyans to consider the broader legacy that leadership entails, comparing the tough decisions leaders must make to writing one’s own obituary or epitaph — a lasting reflection of their contributions to society.

“It is easier to make a fortune, but it is harder to make a difference,” Mudavadi remarked. “It is easier to make the easy decisions, but harder to make decisions that have an impact.”

He cautioned against quick public judgment, noting that previous administrations had avoided making difficult economic and governance choices, effectively deferring tough decisions. That era, he warned, has come to an end.

“We kicked the can down the road over the years. The road has come to an end, and President Ruto can no longer kick the can. He has to make the serious decisions,” Mudavadi asserted.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary described the President as “a man in a tight corner,” stressing that the current period requires not popularity but determination and bold leadership.

He dismissed widespread criticism circulating on social media platforms as “Hadithi za jaba” — loosely translating to idle talk — and urged Kenyans to look beyond online narratives.

“Our President has been in ‘Kanyaga Barabara’,” Mudavadi stated, using a Swahili phrase symbolising walking a difficult path and bearing heavy responsibilities.

Mudavadi outlined the key challenges facing the Ruto administration, including implementing tough economic reforms to stabilise Kenya’s finances amid rising inflation, a growing public debt burden, and limited fiscal space.

These reforms encompass difficult decisions on taxation, budgeting, and the allocation of scarce national resources to ensure sustainable development and public spending.

At the same time, Ruto faces the pressing task of addressing high unemployment, particularly among the youth, through job creation initiatives and social empowerment programs. Mudavadi underscored that while infrastructure development remains a priority, the government must carefully balance limited financial resources with the need for improved roads, expanded electricity access, and affordable housing.

Additionally, the administration is grappling with the rollout of nationwide health initiatives, such as the Social Health Authority, aimed at providing equitable healthcare coverage for all Kenyans.

Ruto also operates within a politically charged environment marked by ethnic diversity, economic disparities, and opposition pressures, all while striving to maintain national unity and drive his administration’s agenda forward.

“Leadership is not about taking the easy route. It’s about making the tough choices today so future generations inherit a stronger, more stable country,” Mudavadi concluded.