President William Ruto has launched a fresh political offensive against his rivals, accusing them of having no clear plan or vision for Kenya as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Malava, Kakamega County, on Thursday, Ruto dismissed his political opponents as unprepared and uninspiring, boldly declaring that his only true competitor was the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
“Ati wale watu nashindana nao ni wale? Yani mtu ningeshindana na yeye ni Raila, lakini hawa — nitawamalizia asubuhi na mapema,” the President said amid cheers from his supporters.
“It’s because they have no plan,” he added.
Ruto, who is currently on a four-day development tour of Western Kenya, exuded confidence that his track record in infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture would secure him an early victory in 2027. He challenged his critics to present tangible policies instead of what he termed “empty slogans and tribal politics.”
“Nataka kuuliza watu wa ukabila, chuki na kisirani… watuambie mipango yao ni gani,” Ruto said, adding that Kenyans were tired of leaders who focus on rhetoric rather than results.
The President also took aim at the growing popularity of social media-driven campaign phrases such as “One Term” and “Kasongo,” which have become rallying cries among sections of the opposition.
“One term, Kasongo, itabadilisha dunia? Si hiyo ni ujinga? Hawa jamaa hawana mpango, sera, agenda, ata akili hawana,” he added.
Ruto’s comments, however, drew mixed reactions online, with some Kenyans accusing him of insensitivity for invoking Raila Odinga’s name so soon after the opposition leader’s recent burial.
Raila, who passed away earlier this month, was widely regarded as one of Ruto’s fiercest political rivals and a symbol of Kenya’s opposition movement.
The former premier died at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment in India. He was accorded a State burial at his Opoda farm in Bondo, Siaya County.
The President was accompanied on his Western Kenya trip by a host of top leaders, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa.
Others included CS Wycliffe Oparanya, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, and several MPs and MCAs.
During his Western Kenya tour, Ruto is expected to launch major road projects, commission a new hospital, and inspect ongoing development initiatives as part of his broader push to strengthen his political base in the region.
