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Ruto Defends Kenya's 'Safe and People-Driven' Democracy

President William Ruto has said Kenya's democracy is "not about a person, but about the people." In an interview with Al Jazeera in Doha, Ruto said democratic values are ingrained in Kenya's national identity, distancing the country from regional concerns over democratic decline.

He contrasted Kenya's system with neighboring nations, noting that election results like Tanzania's 98% victory for President Samia Suluhu would be "impossible" in Kenya, and described democracy in Africa as a "work in progress", with Kenya as a "front-runner".

Responding to criticism over police crackdowns on recent protests, Ruto dismissed reports of human rights abuses as exaggerated, saying rogue officers are being punished. He also defended his economic record, claiming Kenya has become Africa's sixth-largest economy and highlighting progress in agriculture, education, and health.

Ruto said Nairobi remains a hub of free civic and political engagement in a politically volatile region, positioning Kenya as a "democratic anchor". He said the country is in a stronger economic position now than when he took over from his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, nearly three years ago.

InFocus

Capital FM

President William Ruto.

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