President William Ruto has declared that the late ODM leader Raila Odinga would have been his only serious political opponent in the 2027 general election, dismissing current opposition figures as lacking ideas and leadership vision.
Speaking in Malava, Kakamega County, on Thursday at the start of his development tour of Western Kenya, Ruto said those positioning themselves to challenge him in the next polls are focused on tribal politics and empty rhetoric rather than solutions that can uplift ordinary Kenyans.
“Mtu mwenye ningeshindana naye ni Raila, lakini sasa hawa wengine nitawamalizia asubuhi na mapema,” Ruto said.
(The only person I would have taken on is Raila, but as for these others, I’ll deal with them first thing in the morning.)
The President accused his critics of lacking credible policies or development plans, claiming they are driven by hatred, anger, and division. He challenged them to present practical solutions for the country rather than engaging in “empty politics.”
Ruto also lauded leaders from the former Azimio coalition, such as former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and current Governor Fernandes Barasa, for embracing cooperation and national unity.
“Akina Oparanya walikuwa Azimio, lakini wao ni viongozi wenye maono. Tumekubaliana hakuna haja ya kulumbana,” he said.
(The likes of Oparanya were in Azimio, but they are visionary leaders. We’ve agreed there’s no need for political fights.)
The Head of State said such collaboration reflects his government’s “broad-based” approach to development and governance aimed at ending tribal divisions and promoting inclusivity.
“Tushirikiane, tufanye kazi pamoja… tumetengeneza serikali ya broad-based tuondoe chuki, migawanyiko na ubaguzi,” Ruto added.
Ruto’s remarks come amid growing political realignments as various leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 polls, even as he maintains that his administration’s focus remains on implementing its development agenda.
