Ruto Declares ‘No Competition’ in 2027 Election Amidst Growing Criticism
President William Ruto remains confident about securing a second term, despite facing growing criticism of his leadership.
Addressing a crowd in his home county of Uasin Gishu, Ruto boldly declared, “I don’t see any competition,” reinforcing his belief that he will emerge victorious in the next election.
This statement comes amid escalating efforts to counter protests led by Generation Z in June 2024, initially sparked by opposition to the controversial Finance Bill 2024. The protests quickly morphed into a wider movement calling for Ruto’s resignation, with the chant “Ruto Must Go” becoming a rallying cry at public gatherings.
In an unprecedented move, Ruto addressed the 2027 elections amidst mounting online criticism. He remarked, “So far, I haven’t seen any serious competition. The real contest is between me and my achievements. No one else has stepped up,” while speaking to his supporters in Uasin Gishu on Friday. He added, “Some believe I have failed because progress seems slow, but they forget I inherited a country in dire straits.”
Oscar Sudi, the Kapseret MP and a vocal ally of Ruto, also hit back at critics online calling for Ruto’s removal. He stated, “To those Kenyans online saying ‘Ruto Must Go’—whether they jump, fall, or move sideways, Ruto is not going anywhere.”
Ruto’s renewed sense of confidence follows what analysts are calling a political triumph, marked by his securing of former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s backing in December.
In August, Ruto made a strategic move by engaging his primary rival, Raila Odinga, resulting in improved relations between them. He appointed several of Raila’s allies to key Cabinet positions, including John Mbadi at the Treasury and Hassan Joho in Mining, replicating the 2018 Uhuru-Raila handshake dynamic.
Further Cabinet changes in December included the appointments of Mutahi Kagwe as Agriculture and Livestock Development Secretary and Lee Kinyanjui as Investment, Trade, and Industry Secretary. Former Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi was also named Chair of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
With backing from both Uhuru and Raila, Ruto appears confident about his prospects in the 2027 elections. In 2022, he narrowly defeated Raila, who was supported by Uhuru, with just a 200,000-vote margin.
Possible challengers to Ruto in the next election include Azimio co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, and Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah.
