“Can Anyone Move Without a Stomach?” Ruto Defends Hosting Ordinary Kenyans

President William Ruto has dismissed criticism from some political leaders who claim that Kenyans invited to State House only visit for food, terming the remarks unfair, demeaning, and disrespectful to ordinary citizens.

Speaking on Wednesday during the national commemoration of World Minority Rights Day 2025 at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto said hosting citizens and ensuring they are well fed is a basic duty of leadership and hospitality.

“I do not know why some people do not want ordinary Kenyans here. When I host people here, there are leaders who start insulting me, saying those who have gone there have just taken their stomachs to State House,” the President said.

Ruto responded to the criticism with humour, questioning the logic behind the remarks.

“I want to ask, can someone come here without their stomach? Those saying it, do they move around without their stomachs?” he added, drawing laughter from the audience.

The President pointed out that sharing meals is part of Kenyan culture and leadership engagements, recalling his recent development tours across the country where he partook in food offered by residents.

“I was in Turkana the other day, they gave me food which I ate. Yesterday, I was in Migori, I did not leave my stomach behind, they gave me food and I ate,” Ruto said.

He further assured guests attending the State House event that hospitality would extend beyond meals, especially during the festive season.

“So if you did not come with your stomach, don’t blame anybody because I have prepared food for you. And as you go home, I must take care of you. It is the Christmas season, a time to celebrate,” he said.

Ruto added that no guest should leave State House empty-handed during the holidays.

“Can one come to State House and go home without a Christmas gift? I must get you something for Christmas.”

The World Minority Rights Day, marked annually on December 18, brought together about 5,000 delegates from minority and marginalised communities across the country. The attendees represented diverse groups, including the Ndorobo, Ogiek, Dasenach, Njemps, Walwana, Rendille, Burji, El Molo, Sakuye, Suba, Kuria, Makonde, Shona, and Nubian communities, among others.

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