Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has showered President William Ruto with praise while comparing himself and Ruto, citing a shared passion for poverty alleviation.
At a State House Dinner on Sunday, November 23, 2025, the Prime Minister lauded Ruto for the affordable housing project, stating how it exemplifies the spirit of remarkable leadership.
“One aspect that is also particularly exciting for me, because I am, like you, very passionate about poverty alleviation, is housing for the poor, for the masses,” Ibrahim said.
He went on, adding that Ruto’s affordable housing unit upholds not only remarkable leadership but also makes sure that the power is utilized fully in the dual spirit of the Kenyatta struggle to champion and assist your people.
“And when I learned this ambitious program over 150,000 units of housing, affordable housing, and housing for the poor—I mean, this exemplifies the spirit of remarkable leadership, not only serving for power, but also making sure that the power is utilized fully in the dual spirit of the Kenyatta struggle to champion and assist your people,” he added.
On his part, he maintained that Malaysia has no excuse for not working together with Kenyans to enhance bilateral relations and trade investments.
“There’s no excuse whatsoever for Malaysia and Kenya not to work together to enhance our bilateral relations and the trade investments,” he noted.
Ruto’s remarks
President William Ruto, on his part, noted their shared struggle with the Malaysian Prime Minister in raising a struggling nation to a first-world status.
“Hosted Malaysia Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim for dinner at State House Nairobi, where we reflected on his country’s rise from a struggling nation to a first-world status,” Ruto said.
Likewise, Ruto noted that Malaysia’s journey has inspired him and proves that the journey has proved to him that discipline, focus, and bold leadership can transform a nation.
“Malaysia’s journey continues to inspire us and proves that discipline, focus, and bold leadership can transform a nation. Drawing from this inspiration, we are rolling out a KSh5 trillion plan to invest in our people, boost agriculture through large-scale irrigation, build better roads and energy systems, and open real opportunities across the country,” Ruto added.
He also added, “This is a clear and practical path to help Kenya become a first-world economy that lifts our people from poverty and creates wealth for shared prosperity.”
