President William Ruto’s warning against the rise of disinformation was emphatic during the Jamhuri Day Celebrations at Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum. In his speech, Ruto cautioned Kenyans to be wary of the increasing trend of fake news and its potential to undermine the nation’s democracy, development, and stability. The President argued that fake news, often propagated for sectarian political interests, poses a significant threat to the country’s progress and integrity.
Ruto’s remarks come at a time when disinformation has been used as a tool to sow discord and confusion among the public. He stated, “If we give in to these emerging negative trends, we shall pay with our democracy and development.” The President emphasized the power of digital technologies to amplify fake news, distort facts, and mislead the public, urging Kenyans to be discerning and rely on verified information.
The President’s warning is a response to what he described as a growing tendency among critics to spread misleading information about his administration’s development agenda. According to Ruto, the opposition against his government is largely fueled by disinformation aimed at sabotaging its efforts. “The perpetrators of fake news are only in pursuit of sectarian political interests,” he said, stressing that the critical issues should be discussed based on facts and the truth.
Ruto’s administration has been trying to navigate a landscape where digital platforms can quickly disseminate information, true or false, to millions of people. The President highlighted that the spread of disinformation has reached a stage where it can magnify falsehoods beyond recognition, potentially destabilizing the country. “We are at a critical moment in our social development when these technologies can either build us or tear us apart,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Ruto was keen to present a narrative of progress and achievement. He emphasized that the government had made tangible strides in its development agenda. “We are no longer where we were a year, let alone two years ago. We have moved beyond pledges and commitments and are now making progress with our implementation strategies,” Ruto said. The President pointed to the government’s achievements in reducing the cost of basic food commodities, lowering inflation, and increasing food production as concrete evidence of the administration’s successes.
“When we say that the cost of basic food commodities has come down, it is a fact,” Ruto declared. “When we say that inflation has gone down, it is a fact. When we say that our farmers are producing more and better, it is a fact, and when we say that Kenyans who have registered for Taifa Care are receiving better services than before, it is a fact.” These achievements, according to the President, are a testament to the government’s commitment to transforming the economy through the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
The President’s emphasis on job creation highlighted its role as a central pillar in his administration’s strategy. “Job creation is at the heart of our agenda,” he said, revealing that 200,000 jobs have been created through the Affordable Housing Programs. Additionally, 243,000 Kenyans have secured international jobs since September 2022. These figures were presented as proof of the administration’s success in creating economic opportunities for the Kenyan people, particularly the youth.
Ruto’s administration has also focused on healthcare and food security as critical areas for development. The President noted that strategies implemented to address unemployment, healthcare, and food security are delivering tangible results. He explained that these initiatives are not just promises but are yielding real benefits for Kenyans. “We are making progress in building a resilient healthcare system and ensuring food security for our people,” he said, attributing these achievements to the strategic policies put in place by his government.
The President concluded his speech by urging Kenyans to be vigilant against disinformation and to engage in discussions based on facts. “Let us not allow fake news to define our future,” he said. “We must strive to protect our democracy and development by focusing on the truth and engaging in constructive conversations that lead to real progress.”
In a rapidly changing digital landscape, Ruto’s message is a timely reminder of the importance of critical thinking and the role of responsible journalism in safeguarding democracy. By challenging Kenyans to be discerning consumers of information, Ruto hopes to steer the nation away from the pitfalls of disinformation and toward a more informed, inclusive, and prosperous future.
