NAIROBI, Kenya- President William Ruto has rolled out a new slogan for his 2027 re-election campaign, replacing “Kazi ni Kazi” with “Usawa ni Sawa, Mbele Pamoja.”
Ruto used the phrase during his Uasin Gishu tour on Monday, where he launched and inspected development projects.
The line shifts the emphasis from “Kazi ni Kazi” to equality and moving forward together.
The new slogan puts the question of who benefits from government policy nearer the centre of Ruto’s re-election message.
As an incumbent seeking another term, he will have to defend his record on jobs, prices, taxes and public services while persuading voters that development is reaching all parts of the country.
“Usawa ni Sawa” gives his supporters a simple answer to criticism that growth and public investment have not been shared fairly.
“Mbele Pamoja” adds an appeal for unity.
The slogan was introduced during a tour built around visible government activity.
In Uasin Gishu, Ruto’s programme included commissioning the Kenya School of Technical and Vocational Education and Training’s Moiben campus, alongside road, electricity and title deed initiatives.
The North Rift tour will take him through six counties before the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret on October 20.
The new line also lands amid a contest of short political slogans ahead of the 2027 vote.
Opposition supporters use “Wantam” to demand a one-term presidency, while Ruto’s supporters have promoted “Tutam” and “Kumi bila break” for a second term.
“Usawa ni Sawa, Mbele Pamoja” gives UDA a message that speaks less directly to the length of Ruto’s presidency and more to what his supporters say a second term would deliver.
Ruto has told opponents that slogans alone will not win an election and urged them to present policies.
Yet UDA is now giving its own supporters a new phrase to carry into the campaign.
“Mbele Pamoja” also carries significance as UDA and ODM move towards a joint coalition for the 2027 election.
The two parties have agreed to develop a common manifesto and are working on a coalition framework, including leadership arrangements.
The “Mbele Pamoja” appeal comes as UDA and ODM negotiate a joint 2027 coalition, but the partnership is already strained by a fight over Ruto’s running mate.
ODM leaders are demanding the deputy president’s slot, while Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s allies want him retained on the ticket.
