MALAVA, Kenya — President William Ruto has aimed at his political rivals, accusing them of lacking vision and a coherent plan for the country ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during his Western Kenya development tour on Thursday, the Head of State declared that his only formidable challenger would have been former Prime Minister, the late Raila Odinga, describing current contenders as “directionless.”
Addressing residents in Malava, Kakamega County, the president said his administration’s focus on development and service delivery will secure him an early victory in 2027.
“Nataka kuuliza watu wa ukabila, chuki na kisirani… waambie watu wa Kakamega wasikuje tu kuongea… watuambie mipango yao ni gani,” Ruto said, challenging his critics to present concrete policy ideas rather than slogans.
In a mix of humour and political bravado, the president dismissed popular phrases such as “One term” and “Kasongo” — slogans linked to emerging political movements — arguing they carry no substance or development agenda.
“Ati wale watu nashindana nao ni wale? Yani mtu ningeshindana naye ni Raila, lakini hawa… nitawamalizia asubuhi na mapema. Ni kweli ama si kweli?” Ruto posed, drawing cheers from the crowd. “Hawa jamaa hawana mpango, sera, agenda, ata akili hawana.”
Ruto was accompanied by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, and several MPs and MCAs during the tour.
The president, who began a four-day visit to Western Kenya on Thursday, used the occasion to launch new infrastructure and health projects in Kakamega and surrounding counties.
In Butere, Ruto announced that the national government had allocated Sh1 billion to complete the Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital, promising that the facility would be fully equipped within 10 months.
“In less than 10 months, we will complete and equip the referral hospital with modern medical equipment worth Sh500 million,” he said. “You’ll no longer need to travel to Eldoret to access specialised care. You’ll get the same services here.”
He also approved the establishment of a Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) campus in Butere, directing area MP Dindi Mwale to proceed with construction.
“You now have the authority to build the college. Go ahead, and if you get stuck along the way, I am always here to help,” Ruto added.
The president’s Western Kenya visit underscores his effort to consolidate regional support following the late Raila Odinga’s cooperation pact with the government before his death — a move that eased long-standing political tensions between the two leaders.
As Ruto positions himself for re-election, his remarks in Kakamega signalled growing confidence in his administration’s development agenda while seeking to portray his critics as lacking the vision and organisation to mount a credible challenge in 2027.
