A bullish President William Ruto on Friday declared that nobody would beat him in the 2027 polls and challenged his opponents to brace themselves for a tough political battle.
Speaking in Runyenjes town, Embu County, on the fourth day of his Mt Kenya region tour, Dr Ruto expressed confidence that he would win with a majority of votes.
He urged leaders to focus on development, saying that when the time comes, Kenyans will decide who is the best based on their performance.
“You elected MCAs, MPs, Senators, Governors, and myself to serve you, so everyone should do their job. In 2027, you will judge us based on our performance. What I know is that I won’t fail this test—I will emerge the winner,” he said.
Dr Ruto said he is now focused on delivering on his mandate, adding that the interests of Kenyans should come first.
He also said he and his deputy, Prof Kithure Kindiki, were like conjoined twins and would work together for the unity of the country.
“My deputy and I are inseparable. We are working together to unite all Kenyans,” he said.
Ruto introduced his nominee for the Public Service Cabinet Secretary, Geoffrey Ruku, to loud applause.
“Now that Ruku has been endorsed by the locals, he can start work immediately,” he said.
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Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire requested Ruto to build Kianjokoma and Kathageri markets to spur economic growth.
Additionally, she requested the President to allocate Sh100 million to upgrade Runyenjes Sub-County Hospital to a Level Four health facility.
“Once you fulfil our requests, I will ensure that you are the best,” said Ms Mbarire.
Speaking at Chuka Police Quarters in Tharaka-Nithi County, where he inspected housing units, President Ruto said the IG was on official duty accompanying him on his Mt Kenya development tour.
IG Kanja attended a gathering at Mwichuiri village in Nyeri County on Tuesday and addressed the crowd, drawing criticism.
While the Commissioner and CEO of the National Gender and Equality Commission did not speak, the IG requested Prof Kindiki to allow him to greet the gathering.
"Are you happy to see the President here? Will you welcome him many more times? We are focused on our work," Mr Kanja said.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) called on the IG to either apologize to Kenyans or resign for addressing a political rally in Mt Kenya.
LSK argued that police standing orders prohibit officers from making statements that compromise their neutrality in service.
However, the President, who was accompanied by Mr Kanja, accused some Kenyans of vilifying the IG for simply doing his job.
"Even when the IG is not present, he is represented by many officers at our meetings. In Nyeri, we had over 300 police officers deployed, so why single out the IG?" the President posed.
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“I want to encourage Kenyans not to look at everything through the prism of politics. For the five years we are in office, we have work to do. We cannot engage in politics every day because the country would come to a standstill.
“When election time comes, Kenyans will play politics. For now, we must engage in nation-building. Everyone, in whatever capacity, must participate in moving the country forward,” he said.
“Those who may be mistaken in thinking that a campaign is underway should know that we are simply doing what we were elected to do. The Constitution allows us to engage Kenyans in all our activities,” he said.
President Ruto added, “When the campaign season comes, we will put on our official gear and face off with others.”
The IG, who welcomed the President to the police quarters, lauded the government for its housing programme.
“For many years, the service has suffered due to a lack of good housing. Since this government came into power, we have seen many housing projects for the police service taking shape. This project is a shining example of your government’s efforts,” he said.
The President hit out at his political rivals for criticising his development tours, saying he would continue travelling across the country to consult with Kenyans.
“There are people who say I should stay in the office because these are political meetings. Have we discussed party politics here or development? If I don’t come, they question why I am afraid of facing the people, but when I come, they accuse me of playing politics. I will keep coming to the people to do my work,” Dr Ruto said.
He vowed not to be deterred, asserting that “it is the people who will assess my performance in 2027.”
"I am honoured by the President’s decision to pick me as his deputy. Since only the President can contradict me, I will follow up to ensure all pledges are implemented. It is my duty to travel across the country and ensure the President delivers," Prof Kindiki said.
The DP described the President as a genuine friend of the Mt Kenya region and urged residents not to be swayed by the opposition.
"The friendship between the President and the people of Tharaka Nithi, Meru, and Mt Kenya dates back many years. This friendship will last for a long time," he said.
Leaders from the region, including Governors Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka-Nithi) and Isaac Mutuma (Meru), urged the President to retain Prof Kindiki as his Deputy beyond 2027.
"We are grateful that, for the first time since independence, we have a Deputy President from the Meru community. We urge you to continue working with him and mentoring him in politics so that he can succeed you," Governor Njuki said.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa said Prof Kindiki is qualified to run for President in 2032.
The President, who commissioned and launched various projects in Tharaka-Nithi, announced that the government had set aside Sh150 million for a stalled road project and Sh720 million for rural electrification targeting 7,500 households.
He said that the government would redesign and reconstruct the Nithi Bridge at a cost of Sh5 billion.
Reporting by Gitonga Marete, David Muchui, and George Munene.
