NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has expressed confidence in his prospects in the 2027 General Election, saying he is not worried about the growing political competition and trusts Kenyans to make their decision at the ballot.
Speaking during an interview, Ruto said voters would be able to distinguish between political leaders offering concrete plans and those relying on slogans, insults and personal attacks.
“I am not scared at all. I trust the judgement of the people of Kenya, that they can be able to see where a plan is and where an agenda is,” Ruto said.
The President challenged his potential opponents to present alternative policies rather than focusing their campaigns on criticism of his administration.
“It is not possible for you to engage in name-calling, sloganeering, insults and expect the people of Kenya to vote for you on account of that,” he added.
Ruto defends ‘Hustler’ campaign message
The President also defended the political messaging that helped propel him to power in the 2022 General Election, particularly the “Hustler” and “Bottom-Up” concepts.
President Ruto argued that the Hustler narrative was not simply an election slogan but represented an economic programme that his administration has subsequently implemented.
He pointed to the Hustler Fund as an example, saying the government had so far advanced Sh90 billion to 27 million Kenyans through the programme.
“Some of them make a mistake to think that I was elected because there was hustler and there was bottom up. Hustler was not a slogan; it was a plan. Today, Hustler Fund has lent Sh90 billion to 27 million Kenyans,” Ruto said.
The Hustler Fund was introduced by the government as part of its strategy to expand access to affordable credit, particularly for individuals and small businesses that have traditionally faced difficulties accessing formal financial services.
Ruto challenges opponents to offer alternatives
With political formations already positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 polls, Ruto challenged leaders seeking to unseat him to explain how they would improve on his administration’s record.
“I encourage leaders to tell the country, William Ruto has done this, I can do better, this is how I can make things better, and the people of Kenya are rational, that is why they elected me,” he said.
The President’s remarks come as opposition leaders and political parties intensify grassroots mobilisation and discussions over potential alliances ahead of the election.
Several prominent political figures have expressed interest in challenging Ruto, while opposition groups continue to explore ways of presenting a united candidate against the incumbent.
Ruto says broad-based team must win 2027 election
The President has previously insisted that the broad-based political arrangement supporting his administration must secure victory in the 2027 election.
Speaking during a joint parliamentary group meeting in Naivasha, the President said the coalition needed to win the election in the interest of the country.
“We must win the next election. By God’s grace, we must win the next election, Insha’Allah. Not for your sake but for the sake of Kenya, because the alternative is difficult to fathom,” he said.
President Ruto warned that an opposition victory could result in uncertainty if the incoming leadership lacked a clear policy direction.
“We have no choice because the alternative, I shudder. A group of people who have no plan, no agenda, no policy, no vision is too dangerous for Kenya,” he said.
