Hold your horses, Ruto tells 2027 presidential hopefuls
President William Ruto.
President William Ruto has taken a swipe at his opponents who are gearing up to challenge him in the 2027 presidential election.
In recent weeks, the political arena has witnessed shifts that could signify what is to be expected in the coming elections.
Speaking in Taita Taveta County on Monday, Dr Ruto asked his opponents to wait for the appropriate time for campaigns while hinting at a deal that he says will be revealed soon.
The president said that he has been under pressure from his allies to counter the ongoing alignments and criticism against his leadership.
“There are many leaders here who are pushing me (to react) but I ask them to relax. The real test will be in 2027, let everyone get prepared in the meantime,” he said.
Last week, former Justice Minister Martha Karua led her Narc Kenya party to formally withdraw from the Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition, through which she was running as presidential candidate Raila Odinga's running mate in the 2022 elections.
Earlier on, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s allies attended an event where his Kamba community was integrated into the Gikuyu, Embu, Meru Association (Gema), amidst talks of an intended partnership between him and impeached deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has also shown interest in running for president riding on the apparent support of Gen Z.
“Let them stop roaming around with stories and yet they have no concrete plan. Whenever they are asked why they are opposing something or to show their strategy, they have none except roaming around. But let me not say so much, there is more coming ahead and we shall meet them when the time comes,” Dr Ruto said.
The president was accompanied by cabinet secretaries and politicians from across the board.
Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed rubbished leaders and activists who criticise the government, saying he is the best placed to be recognised as an official leader of the opposition due to his post as leader of the minority in the National Assembly.
In August, Mr Musyoka declared himself the official opposition leader after Mr Odinga, his Azimio co-principal, was officially unveiled as an aspirant for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
“All those moving around saying that they are leaders of the opposition are fake. They should let me do my job,” said Mr Mohamed.
The president and his entourage used the stop-overs in Taita Taveta County to rally the public behind the Taifa Afya health scheme and stress national unity.
President Ruto highlighted the benefits of the scheme, urging residents to register and take advantage of the services offered.
"NHIF had a lot of limitations. Only a few Kenyans could afford to pay their subscriptions. Don't wait until you get sick then you go to register. Register now because, under the new scheme, all citizens will access treatment whenever they need it," he said.
The President's call to action comes amid debates and differing opinions on the scheme's effectiveness and implementation.
While some Kenyans have welcomed the initiative, others have expressed concerns about its effectiveness.
Despite these concerns, President Ruto said his government remains steadfast in its commitment to the scheme, assuring residents that it will significantly improve healthcare access.
"Healthcare is a fundamental right, and Taifa Afya is here to ensure that every Kenyan can access quality medical services without financial strain," he said.
The President urged county governments to clear their debts to the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (Kemsa) and ensure that health facilities have enough drugs, medicines and equipment.
He said the national government will top up Sh1.5 billion for counties to access more drugs at Kemsa.
"That is the work of the county governments. The main challenge many facilities are facing is the lack of drugs. I will, however, work with counties so that we improve the health services for our citizens," he said.
The President’s tour of Wundanyi and Taveta constituencies was marked by the launch of a series of electricity supply and road construction projects.
Other leaders who accompanied him included Governor Andrew Mwadime, County Woman Representative Lydia Haika, and MPs John Bwire (Taveta), Danson Mwashako (Wundanyi), Peter Shake (Mwatate), and Abdi Chome (Voi).
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Cabinet Secretaries Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Hassan Joho (Mining) and Salim Mvurya (Trade) were also present.
The leaders urged the public to support the president’s efforts to unite the country.
