Vietnamese Energy Mogul Doanh Chau Slams President Ruto Over Empty Rhetoric
Vietnamese energy mogul Doanh Chau has sharply criticized President William Ruto, accusing him of relying on empty rhetoric rather than delivering tangible results.
In a statement following a meeting with President Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Chau expressed deep concern over Kenya’s underdevelopment, attributing it to a culture of “big talk and little action.”
Chau’s comments came after discussions on Kenya’s future, particularly in relation to investment, infrastructure, and public housing. While Ruto and Mudavadi spoke with enthusiasm about Kenya’s potential, Chau dismissed their rhetoric, stating that it was not backed by a genuine execution culture.
According to the Vietnamese mogul, Kenya’s greatest challenge lies not in a lack of resources but in the absence of a coherent long-term vision.
“Kenya’s real problem is not a lack of money or talent. It’s the absence of a long-term vision and the dominance of short-term gains,” Chau stated.
He went on to criticize the country’s leadership for their reliance on external forces to drive business, rather than creating an environment conducive to growth.
Chau further expressed disappointment that Kenya’s leaders focus on polished speeches and promises, only for systems to remain stagnant.

Drawing a stark comparison to Vietnam’s development model, he highlighted Kenya’s potential in terms of talent and financial resources but pointed out the lack of a clear, structured execution plan.
‘He argued that Kenya’s progress often appears tied to the preparation for international summits or donor visits, rather than sustainable development initiatives.
The CEO also took aim at Kenya’s energy infrastructure, claiming that the country’s unstable electricity supply continues to hinder its growth. “In Kenya, the basic energy supply is unstable. Yet, the government built a fancy expressway from Nairobi to Mombasa—without an export industry to support it. Meanwhile, millions live in slums with no access to reliable utilities,” he remarked.
Chau’s criticism extended beyond Kenya, urging a broader change in Africa’s approach to development. He believes the continent needs to shift from superficial talks to substantial actions. “Turn off the microphone—and turn on the power,” Chau said, emphasizing the importance of practical steps to drive progress.
The CEO’s comments have sparked significant debate within Kenya, with several local leaders and citizens supporting his perspective. Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi echoed Chau’s sentiments, stating that Kenya needs a dedicated team of leaders with a clear vision, charisma, and focus to achieve economic success.
While President Ruto is known for his ability to persuade and attract foreign investment, Chau’s remarks raise serious questions about the long-term sustainability of Kenya’s development efforts.
The President’s commitment to transformative energy dialogues and green energy projects adds an intriguing layer to the conversation, but Chau’s critique suggests that rhetoric alone will not suffice for Kenya to realize its full potential.

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Vietnamese Energy Mogul Doanh Chau Slams President Ruto Over Empty Rhetoric