NAIROBI, Kenya — ODM Communications Director Philip Etale has publicly criticised President William Ruto’s political strategy, warning that the Head of State risks alienating voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a brief but pointed remark shared on his X account, Etale suggested that some of the individuals currently speaking on behalf of the President are harming his public image rather than bolstering it.
“There are some fellas President Ruto is associating with who when they utter just one word in his favour, people get turned off,” Etale posted. “Strategy Mr. President. Strategy. You are a master strategist but on this, you will find the masses gone.”
Etale did not name the individuals he was referring to, but the comments come amid heightened political activity as coalitions on both sides scale up mobilisation efforts two years to the next election cycle.
Political analysts say such sentiments reflect the intensifying scrutiny surrounding the President’s communication and grassroots engagement strategy, particularly as competing blocs seek to shape early narratives ahead of 2027.
Etale, a long-time ODM communicator and one of the party’s most prominent online voices, regularly weighs in on national politics, often challenging the Kenya Kwanza administration’s messaging.
