Speaking during a public forum, Mwangangi said Kenyans are tired of promises that do not reflect the reality on the ground.
He accused the President of making many statements that raise hope but fail to translate into real change for ordinary citizens.
According to the deputy governor, leadership should be built on honesty and results, not slogans and comparisons with developed nations such as Singapore.
Mwangangi said it makes little sense to talk about transforming Kenya into a global success story when basic services are struggling. He pointed to the education sector as one of the areas in serious crisis.
He said parents are burdened with hidden school costs, overcrowded classrooms, and a shortage of teachers, despite government claims that education is free.
The Machakos leader challenged the national government to first fix public schools before talking about international benchmarks.
He said true development starts by giving children quality education that is accessible to all, regardless of background.
According to him, many public schools lack textbooks, classrooms, and proper learning facilities, making it difficult for learners to compete fairly.
He also questioned the government’s priorities, arguing that leaders should listen more to citizens’ struggles.
Mwangangi said young people are facing unemployment and uncertainty, yet they are constantly fed with big promises that do not improve their daily lives.
The deputy governor urged President Ruto to reduce what he termed as “lies” in 2026 and instead focus on delivering tangible results. He said honesty in leadership builds trust and gives citizens confidence in their government.