If Ruto's good overshadows evil, 2027 poll victory will be his prize

In the temple of Apollo at Delphi, the ancient Greeks inscribed timeless maxims to guide rulers and citizens alike. Among them was the warning: “Do not let your power outweigh your virtue.” Today, that wisdom finds new relevance in Kenya, where President William Ruto faces the test of ensuring that good overshadows evil in his administration.

Since assuming office, Ruto’s government has faced sharp criticism over policies such as the Social Health Authority (SHA) reforms and the Housing Levy. Many citizens feel these measures burden households rather than relieve them. At the same time, allegations of corruption continue to shadow his administration, reinforcing the perception that Kenya’s political class remains unchanged despite promises of a “bottom-up” transformation. In such a climate, evil risks overshadowing good.

History reminds us that leaders can reshape their legacy if guided by conviction—one that allows virtue to triumph at the close of their regime. The words of Ecclesiastes 7:8 ring true: “The end of a matter is better than its beginning...” This suggests that the conclusion carries greater weight than the start, and for President Ruto, virtue will only be recognised if he chooses to end well.

Former President Mwai Kibaki offers a compelling example. His government, too, was not immune to corruption scandals—actually, the grand corruption reported during Kibaki’s regime makes Ruto look like an angel.

Yet Kibaki’s emphasis on infrastructure, education, and economic growth left an indelible mark. The journey was painful; in 2007, many Kenyans could not imagine that he could secure a second term. His midnight swearing-in sparked violence, with citizens turning against one another until Raila Odinga’s entry into government helped restore calm. At the time, Kibaki was seen by many as a non-performer, dictator, and vote-rigger.

Years later, however, Kibaki’s track record is hailed as one of the strongest since independence. The expansion of roads, the introduction of free primary education, and a revitalised economy ensured that his achievements outshone his failures. Citizens remembered the development more than the scandals, and his legacy endures as one of progress and economic revival.

President Ruto now stands at a similar crossroads. His recent launch of the Nairobi–Nakuru–Malava road project is more than a ribbon-cutting ceremony; it is a test of whether he can deliver tangible development that transforms lives. Roads are not just tarmac—they are arteries of opportunity, connecting farmers to markets, students to schools, and workers to jobs. If completed before 2027, this project could become a symbol of his administration’s commitment to growth and prosperity. It could be the good that overshadows the supposed evils.

Politics, after all, is not judged solely by intentions but by outcomes. Citizens are pragmatic: they may grumble about levies and policies, but they will celebrate when they see new roads, hospitals, and industries that improve their daily lives. Development has the power to silence critics and unite a nation around progress. It is the antidote to what administrations might view as cynicism.

The challenge for Ruto is clear. He must ensure that his government’s good governance and service outweigh perceptions of greed and corruption. He must remember that good delivered through service builds a legacy. The road to Malava is not just a physical highway; it is a metaphorical path toward redemption and triumph.

As the Delphic maxim reminds us, the measure of a leader is not how much authority he wields, but how much virtue he embodies. If President Ruto allows development to shine brighter than scandal, if he lets justice and service eclipse corruption, then history may yet record his tenure as one where good triumphed over evil.

Remember, in politics, if one is to end well, power must never outweigh virtue. Even if President Ruto feels assured of victory in the 2027 elections, he must recognise that true peace in retirement will only come if citizens welcome him with nostalgia and respect, just as they do with former President Uhuru Kenyatta.