Ruto challenges opposition to put its plans before voters

President William Ruto has challenged his opponents to explain what they would do in office, arguing that their efforts to unite will not be enough to defeat him in the 2027 election.

Speaking during his tour of Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo on 15 October, Ruto accused rival leaders of concentrating on hostility towards his administration rather than presenting a governing programme. He singled out Edwin Sifuna, Fred Matiang’i and Kalonzo Musyoka in his criticism.

The President defended his record on housing, infrastructure and other government programmes. He presented those policies as the basis on which voters should assess his bid for another term.

His confidence about the result is a political prediction, not a measure of how Kenyans will vote. Likewise, the accusation that opponents have no agenda is his assessment of them.

The exchange puts competing programmes at the centre of the campaign argument. Voters will ultimately need to compare proposals, costs and delivery records, alongside the alliances that each side assembles.