President William Ruto has fired a political salvo at his critics and 2027 opponents, insisting that the next general election will not be defined by tribalism, anger, or hatred.
Addressing residents of Rongo in Homa Bay County, Ruto challenged his opponents to identify a clear agenda upon which they will seek the country’s leadership, rather than relying on hatred or negative ethnicity.
“They must not think they can sell us anger, tribalism, hatred, and divisions. These will not determine the next election,” President Ruto told the opposition.
The President emphasised that Kenyans will make their decisions based on the manifestos of leaders who offer a solid development programme.
“You are the people who will decide who becomes MCA, MP, Senator, Governor, and President — not based on beauty, but on development plans for roads, electricity, water, and more,” Ruto said.
“That is going to be the yardstick upon which the people of Kenya will elect their next leaders,” he added.
The President’s remarks came a day after key opposition leaders assembled at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s home on May 4, where they declared their intention to unite and unseat Ruto in 2027.
Among the leaders present were Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, and People’s Liberation Party boss Martha Karua.
Ruto challenged the opposition to present their plans for agriculture, job creation, roads, water, and electricity, instead of what he termed as “preaching hatred and tribalism.”
“I want to ask our competitors to start looking for an agenda. They must not imagine they will sell us hatred, fear, or divisions,” Ruto said.
The President stressed that, for now, he is focused on serving Kenyans and delivering on his mandate, brushing off the opposition’s efforts to ally against him in 2027.
“Elections will come in 2027, but for now, we are working for Kenyans. When elections come, those who win will serve Kenyans, and those who lose will go to the farm,” he said.
“When that time comes, we will meet our competitors at the ballot, and Kenyans will make their choice,” Ruto concluded.
