Ruto: Beating me in 2027 polls will not be a walk in the park
President William Ruto during the burial of former Cabinet minister John Koech at Olbutyo in Chepalungu, Bomet County on April 15, 2025.
President William Ruto has warned his political rivals that beating him in the 2027 General Elections will be a tall order.
Dr Ruto said opposition leaders have no alternative development agenda to offer Kenyans, just empty rhetoric.
“I know I have a mandate from the people of Kenya and the verdict on my performance will come in 2027. I do not intend to fail that test. I must deliver and earn a second term in office. I am well-prepared for the duel ahead,” President Ruto said.
Speaking during the funeral of former Cabinet Minister John Koech at Olbutyo Boys Secondary School grounds in Bomet County, the President outlined several programmes initiated by his administration, saying they are aligned to the promises he made ahead of the 2022 elections.
He highlighted achievements in health, infrastructure, education and agriculture, asserting that his administration had stayed the course on key promises. He said his government had stabilised the economy, with inflation having dropped from 9 per cent to 3 per cent since he assumed office on September 13, 2022.
He also cited reforms in the tea, coffee, dairy and other agricultural sub-sectors, and the fertiliser subsidy programme, which he said had boosted production and raised incomes for farmers.
Growing criticism
Despite growing criticism over the government’s performance, Dr Ruto maintained he would remain focused on fulfilling his pledges.
“Last week, we paid Sh60 billion to contractors who are now back on sites to continue upgrading roads to bitumen standards,” he said.
He added that the country was recovering from the economic fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic and the debt crisis inherited from the previous administration.
On healthcare, he said the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme was ongoing, with 21 million Kenyans already enrolled. He added that counties like Mombasa, Bomet, Nyeri and Elgeyo Marakwet were leading in SHA registration, noting that Kenyans were embracing universal health coverage because they understand the benefits.
“People no longer have to sell their land or property to access treatment. That is the direction we're heading,” he said.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot urged critics of the President to tone down, stating that constant attacks on the presidency were unjustified.
“There will be another President after Dr Ruto. The presidency is not about an individual. You cannot reduce the office to personal attacks,” said Mr Cheruiyot.
He accused the media of biased coverage and failure to follow industry standards.
“Countries that collapse usually begin by undermining their institutions including the presidency. It must be respected by all,” he said.
800 votes
Former Governor Isaac Ruto eulogised the late Koech as a humble and honourable leader who served with distinction and gracefully accepted electoral defeat.
“I beat him in the 1997 elections by just 800 votes. Yet, as Minister of State in the Office of the President, he conceded and told me to take over and serve the people. He did not contest the results. Once elections are over, let’s accept the outcome and support those given the mandate to lead,” Mr Ruto said.
Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen (Transport) and Davis Chirchir (Energy) reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing its development agenda.
Mr Murkomen warned against disruption of public events.
“Those sponsoring goons to disrupt funerals and rallies will be dealt with firmly. Those who organise such events must inform security agencies so that peace can be maintained,” Mr Murkomen said.
Governors Hillary Barchok (Bomet), Erick Mutai (Kericho) and Patrick Ntutu (Narok) defended the President saying he deserved support to complete his development agenda.
Earlier, local leaders had pledged to maintain peace during the event, keen to avoid the political tensions that have become synonymous with presidential visits to the county.
Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok and Senator Hillary Sigei, whose supporters have clashed during previous presidential visits, called a truce, if only temporarily, and urged their camps to uphold decorum.