BARINGO, Kenya – President William Ruto has declared that he will defeat the opposition in the 2027 General Election whether its leaders unite behind a single candidate or contest separately, dismissing political alliances he says lack a clear agenda for Kenyans.
The President argued that unity alone would not translate into votes, challenging his rivals to present concrete plans for addressing the country’s economic and development challenges.
“Even if they unite to the last man, I will defeat them because unity without an agenda for Kenyans will not win them votes,” Ruto said.
Speaking on Thursday during a development tour of Elgeyo-Marakwet and Baringo counties, Ruto accused his critics of concentrating on political alliances instead of offering alternative solutions to the country’s problems.
He described his opponents as merchants of anger and discrimination, arguing that voters wanted leaders with clear development plans rather than politicians relying on ethnic numbers to win power.
“Kenyans want leaders who have an agenda, a plan and vision, not those who sell tribal arithmetic or are full of hate and anger,” he said.
Ruto Defends His Record Ahead Of 2027
Ruto maintained that Kenya had undergone a political transition ahead of the 2022 General Election, when he campaigned on the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), promising to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable and marginalised groups.
He said his administration was implementing its commitments and challenged opposition leaders to explain how they would address the country’s challenges if elected.
“Today, Kenyans are holding me to account for what I promised them. We don’t want people who look for power without a plan,” he said.
The President cited lower fertiliser prices and improved earnings for coffee, tea, milk and sugarcane farmers as evidence of progress under his administration since taking office in 2022.
He also defended the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) against calls for its abolition, saying the money had helped clear pending bills owed to road contractors and finance ongoing infrastructure projects.
Ruto said the construction of 6,000 kilometres of roads across the country demonstrated his administration’s commitment to distributing development projects across different regions.
He added that the government was pursuing equitable development through investments in roads, modern markets, affordable housing, healthcare, agriculture and education.
Billions Of Shillings In Projects Launched
During the tour, Ruto launched and inspected several infrastructure and electricity projects in Elgeyo-Marakwet and Baringo counties.
In Elgeyo-Marakwet, he inspected the construction of the Sh205 million Chepkorio Modern Market, which is expected to accommodate 200 traders.
He also launched the construction of 30 kilometres of roads in Keiyo South Constituency at a cost of Sh1.8 billion and flagged off a Sh632 million electricity connectivity project expected to connect 3,169 households to power.
In Baringo, the President launched road construction projects worth Sh4.2 billion linking Eldama Ravine, Mogotio and Baringo Central constituencies.
He also flagged off a Sh78.9 million electricity project targeting 343 households and opened the Eldama Ravine Huduma Centre.
Murkomen Warns Politicians Against Violence
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who accompanied the President, warned politicians against using government security officers and public offices to facilitate violence.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah urged voters to reject leaders who rely on tribalism, while Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot said Kenyans would elect leaders with clear plans for the country.
Ruto maintained that his administration would continue implementing its development agenda, saying he was prepared to be held accountable for the commitments he had made to Kenyans.
His remarks come as political leaders and parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with opposition unity emerging as a key issue in preparations for the contest.
