Ruto allies back second term, hint at 2032 succession plan

The leaders urged Kenyans not to "gamble" with their votes in the 2027 General Election, saying President Ruto deserved a second and final term to complete his development agenda.

The meeting, held in the President's political stronghold of the North Rift, was viewed as the unofficial launch of his re-election campaign and a show of political might by the broad-based government coalition forged between Kenya Kwanza and sections of the opposition.

Led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, the lawmakers supporting the broad-based government expressed confidence that President Ruto would secure a landslide victory in the 2027 General Election with a probable margin of more than one million votes.

The leaders hinted at the political realignment expected to shape the race to succeed President Ruto when his constitutional two-term limit ends in 2032.

Mr Wetang’ula defended the Kenya Kwanza administration's development track record, terming President Ruto a "symbol of development" whose leadership has transcended political and ethnic divides.

"Since President Ruto took over the reins of this nation, all parts of Kenya are experiencing unprecedented growth. Development is no longer pegged on how a region voted or the tribe of its people," Mr Wetang’ula stated.

He highlighted the government's deliberate interventions aimed at uplifting the livelihoods of ordinary citizens, making specific mention of the agricultural sector.

He noted that the administration has done exceptionally well in improving the fortunes of farmers within the North Rift region—Kenya's traditional food basket—through strategic support and inputs.

In showcasing the tangible fruits of the current administration, the National Assembly Speaker cited massive infrastructure projects cutting across the region.

Chief among them, he noted, is the ongoing construction and expansion of the critical Rironi–Mau Summit highway, which serves as a major gateway connecting Kenya’s capital to the North Rift and Western region.

Mr Wetang’ula dismissed the opposition’s recent realignment efforts as outdated. He termed the united opposition a "cliché of tribal groupings" devoid of national interest or a clear development agenda for Kenyans.

He urged the North Rift region and the country at large to remain steadfast behind the current regime, openly drumming up support for President Ruto's two-term presidency ahead of the next general election.

"The opposition has nothing new to offer Kenyans except the same old tribal arrangements. We must look at the progress we are making under this government and support the President to finish his two terms so that his transformational agenda is fully realised," the Speaker added.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah portrayed the broad-based alliance as the vehicle that would dominate the country’s politics beyond President Ruto’s leadership and urged Kenyans to re-elect him in the 2027 General Election.

“As a broad-based government, we are working with ODM to consolidate support across the country, unlike the opposition, which has no agenda for Kenyans,” said Mr Ichung’wah.

He maintained that the government's unity had enhanced political stability and accelerated development, arguing that continuity in leadership was essential for completing ongoing infrastructure, housing, agriculture and economic empowerment programmes.

“Some of those in the opposition have held senior positions in the previous government but have nothing to show even in their own political backyard,” said Mr Ichung’wah.

The opposition came under sustained criticism, with the speakers accusing its leaders of engaging in divisive politics instead of offering practical solutions to the country's economic challenges.

“What Kenya needs are development-focused leaders like our National Assembly Speaker, who has steered the National Assembly with unmatched wisdom through turbulent times,” said Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, who is also the Senate majority leader.

As allies of President Ruto, the leaders used the Eldoret rally to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 General Election while positioning themselves for the battle over the country’s leadership in 2032.

“As Kenya Kwanza, we look at the future with clarity. Papa wa Roma—Wetang’ula—is not just an ordinary leader from Western Kenya. He is a national asset. When President Ruto completes his two terms in 2032, leaders of Wetang’ula's calibre will be steering the wheel to continue the legacy. That is why we must first secure victory in 2027,” added Mr Cheruiyot.

President Ruto’s personal aide Farouk Kibet disclosed plans by the broad-based government to deploy its strategists to consolidate Rift Valley votes and support in other parts of the country.

He dismissed the united opposition as a tribal gathering that cannot match President Ruto while courting Gen Z to support his re-election bid.

“The opposition has nothing to offer but is out to divide Kenyans along ethnic lines, and, as voters, you should shun them in the 2027 General Election,” said Mr Farouk.

The Eldoret rally is expected to be followed by similar political mobilisation meetings across the country as allies of President Ruto seek to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 General Election while positioning themselves for the 2032 succession battle.

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