NAIROBI, Kenya — Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has dismissed suggestions that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna poses a significant threat to President William Ruto’s re-election prospects, arguing that the opposition politician has yet to build the nationwide political structures required for a credible presidential campaign.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Ruku said while Sifuna has gained prominence on the national political stage, he remains far from becoming a serious challenger to the President ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“Sifuna has not reached the threshold of being a potential threat to any serious political players like President William Ruto,” Ruku said.
Ruku Says National Campaigns Require Grassroots Networks
The Cabinet Secretary argued that a successful presidential bid cannot be built solely on popularity in major towns but requires years of investment in political structures and grassroots mobilisation across the country.
“To run a national campaign you have to institutionalise a number of things which take time to happen,” he said.
Ruku noted that presidential candidates must establish support beyond urban centres, saying success depends on reaching voters in every constituency and ward.
“When running a nationwide campaign, you are not doing it just in major towns. The last-mile campaign is where the rubber meets the road,” he said.
Using Nakuru County as an example, Ruku said campaigns must extend beyond city rallies to areas such as Rongai, Gilgil and Naivasha.
Ruku Cites Polls in Defence of Ruto
The Cabinet Secretary maintained that President Ruto remains ahead of potential challengers, pointing to opinion polls that he said place the Head of State in a commanding position.
“Sifuna is not a threat at all and looking at the polls shows Ruto is leading,” Ruku said.
While acknowledging Sifuna’s growing popularity, Ruku claimed the Nairobi senator was currently polling ahead of some opposition figures, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
“Sifuna is coming ahead of Kalonzo Musyoka and Fred Matiang’i, which is impressive,” he said.
However, Ruku predicted that Sifuna’s popularity would eventually level off.
“But I do not anticipate he will be able to go beyond 15 per cent approval, and remember Ruto has not rolled out his campaign machinery.”
Focus Remains on Development Agenda
Ruku said President Ruto is currently focused on implementing government programmes rather than preparing for the next election campaign.
“Ruto is currently busy concentrating on programmes to transform the nation. Ruto is still not a candidate, but a time is coming when he will be the UDA candidate and you will see the ratings changing,” he said.
He added that the President’s development record would play a key role in his bid for a second term, particularly in the Mt Kenya region.
“Ruto has a very clear record and that is why I am saying Mt Kenya will not come out of this government,” Ruku said.
