NAIROBI, Kenya- Constitutional lawyer Prof. Makau Mutua has said President William Ruto would comfortably win a presidential election if one were held today, arguing that the Head of State’s record in office has left the opposition without a credible challenger.
Speaking in an interview, Mutua said Kenyans are capable of judging the President’s performance for themselves and would reward him at the ballot because of what he described as tangible achievements over the past three and a half years.
“If elections were held today, the president would win. He has worked. Kenyans are not fools. Kenyans can see that the president has worked and is working,” Mutua said.
The law professor added that the President currently faces no formidable opponent.
“This president does not really have an opponent. He has a cast of characters who cannot give themselves a good birth,” he said.
Mutua was particularly critical of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, arguing that his impeachment had weakened his political prospects.
“Riggy G is a man impeached, by law he cannot run, but even if he could run, do we really want a Neanderthal running our country?,” he posed.
He also dismissed Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya’s presidential credentials.
“George Natembeya has a bad boy image to himself. When I look at him, I see a thug; I don’t see a president,” Mutua said.
The outspoken academic also criticised businessman Jimi Wanjigi, saying, “Jimi Wanjigi is a blabbermouth, no substance there.”
On Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Mutua said the ODM secretary-general still has political potential but needs more experience.
“Sifuna is a guy who drank his own Kool-Aid. They say when you hear the applause, my man enjoy it, but don’t believe it. The young man is believing the applause. He should enjoy it, and go out there and build a career; he has some potential. Maybe 20-30 years down the line, people might give him a second look,” he said.
Mutua also renewed his criticism of former Justice Minister Martha Karua, saying she failed to seize the opportunity presented to her when she became Raila Odinga’s running mate in the 2022 General Election.
“Martha Karua had a shot to take, and she missed it. When we in Azimio gave her the opportunity to become the running mate, she was a miserable failure. She very badly lost the debate with Gachagua. How can anyone lose that debate with Gachagua? I think Martha is a spent force; her time came and went. It’s time for her to retire from politics,” he said.