President William Ruto has defended his decision to host village elders from across the country at State House, saying welcoming ordinary Kenyans to the official residence of the President does not diminish its status.
Ruto said the invitation was instead intended to uphold the dignity of Kenyan citizens by allowing them to visit and appreciate State House as a symbol that belongs to the people.
The President spoke at State House, Nairobi, where he hosted village elders from different parts of the country.
“Inviting you to State House is not undervaluing it as critics say; it is basically upholding your dignity as humans and leaders in this nation,” Ruto said.
“I want to welcome all of you at State House, Nairobi. I know some of you are here for the first time. I welcome you here. I am very happy to welcome you.”
Ruto said State House had hosted a wide range of dignitaries during his presidency, including kings, presidents and leaders from different levels of society.
“At State House, I have received so many guests. I have hosted kings, presidents and leaders of all cadres. Today, I am happy to have village elders,” he said.
The President recalled criticism he faced over opening State House to ordinary Kenyans, saying some people had accused him of lowering the status of the institution.
“Sometimes back, there were those who told me that I have downgraded the status of State House, that even common people have access,” Ruto said.
He said his critics had argued that State House should only be accessible to senior political leaders and foreign dignitaries.
“They said State House should be a place for kings, presidents, ministers and diplomats,” he said.
Ruto said he responded to the criticism by arguing that opening State House to ordinary Kenyans was not a degradation of the institution but an elevation of the people.
“I answered them and said I did not lower the status of State House but uplifted the respect of the Kenyan people. They too should be given the opportunity to visit State House and understand it is their home,” he said.
The remarks come amid a wider debate over Ruto’s frequent meetings with various groups at State House, including political leaders, community representatives, religious leaders, professionals and grassroots delegations.
Critics have in the past questioned whether some of the meetings amount to political mobilisation, particularly when delegations associated with specific regions or political formations have subsequently expressed support for the President and his administration.
Opposition leaders and government critics have argued that State House should primarily remain a venue for official presidential functions and engagements on matters of national interest.