President William Ruto has launched a fierce counterattack against his former deputy over criticism of the NYOTA Fund, dismissing him as an unemployed “idler” with no moral authority to question government programmes aimed at empowering young people.
Speaking during a public engagement on Tuesday, President Ruto said he had taken note of what he termed as constant political lectures from leaders without any formal responsibilities. In a sharp rebuke, the Head of State said his focus remains firmly on delivering opportunities to the youth rather than engaging in political noise.
“Nimeskia watu wengine wengi wanajaribu kunipatia mawaidha. Wewe fanya hiyo kazi ingine, mimi nakuja kufanya kazi ya hawa vijana. You’re an idler with no job, and you have the audacity to lecture me?” Ruto said, drawing applause from the crowd.
The remarks came amid growing political exchanges over the NYOTA Fund, a youth-focused financing programme that has attracted both praise and criticism from rival political camps. Ruto defended the initiative, insisting it is designed to create jobs, support innovation and give young Kenyans access to affordable capital.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also weighed in on the political legitimacy of critics, questioning their grassroots support and relevance. Addressing supporters at a separate function on the same day, Kindiki challenged leaders who claim national influence yet lack visible backing on the ground.
“Wewe ni kiongozi gani kama hauna MPAKA hata mmoja? MCA na MP wako hawakutambui alafu unatudanganya uko na kura,” Kindiki said, arguing that leadership must be measured by tangible support from elected representatives and voters.
The exchanges underscore rising political temperatures as debates intensify around youth empowerment programmes, governance, and leadership credibility. Despite the criticism, President Ruto has maintained that his administration will stay focused on economic reforms and initiatives targeting young people, dismissing attacks as distractions from the real work of transforming the country.