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Ruto targets 2027 as Kindiki warns Kenya Kwanza against 2032 politics
President William Ruto during the launch of the second phase of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (Nyota) programme at Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi on July 10, 2026.
What you need to know:
- President William Ruto castigated the Opposition, while expressing confidence in his 2027 re-election bid.
- Prof Kindiki asked Kenya Kwanza leaders to focus on securing President Ruto's re-election in the 2027 polls.
President William Ruto on Saturday castigated the Opposition, expressing confidence in his 2027 re-election bid, even as DP Kithure Kindiki moved to quell 2032 succession plans, calling them premature.
The president expressed confidence that he will win another term.
"The opposition has no plan to move this country forward. This is why they are making a lot of noise. I believe every leader is elected based on their track record and vision," Dr Ruto.
The president outlined various development programmes undertaken by his administration, including 252km of new roads and 24 markets, among other projects, in Meru County.
President William Ruto joins young entrepreneurs in a dance during the launch of the second phase of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (Nyota) programme at Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi on July 10, 2026.
He make the remarks during the burial Mzee Patrick M'Anaiba, the father to Igembe North MP Julius Taitumu, at Laare in Igembe North.
The president was joined by Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa, Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma, Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, MPs Johnpaul Mwirigi (Igembe South),John Mutunga (Tigania West), Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East), Mugambi Rindikiri (Buuri), Rahim Dawood (North Imenti), Dan Kiili (Igeme Central), Karambu Kailemia (Woman Representative), Dorothy Muthoni (nominated), among other leaders.
Elsewhere in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Deputy President Prof Kindiki asked Kenya Kwanza leaders to shelve the 2032 succession debate and focus on securing President Ruto's re-election in the 2027 General Election.
Prof Kindiki warned that premature succession campaigns could divide the ruling coalition and hand the opposition a political advantage.
"We cannot afford to lose to the disjointed opposition because of infighting and an obsession with the 2032 presidential race. We shall have time to strategise for 2032 after ensuring that President Ruto wins the 2027 General Election," said Prof Kindiki.
He cautioned leaders against forming political coalitions and engaging in infighting. He asked leaders to remain focused on the task that lies ahead, which is the re-election of Dr Ruto.
“It is important that we support the president to deliver on his development agenda and concentrate our energies on rallying behind him for a second term,” Prof Kindiki said, terming the 2032 succession politics premature.
He made the remarks during the 10th Edition of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme at Kaptarkok in Keiyo South, Elgeyo-Marakwet County.
The DP called for restraint after some leaders from the Rift Valley endorsed him as President Ruto's preferred successor, a week after lawmakers aligned to the broad-based government toured the region and laid the groundwork for the 2032 succession politics.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki (centre), Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen (second right), Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo (left), Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo (right) and other leaders arrive at Kaptarkok Primary School in Keiyo South during the Kaptagat Forest Integrated Marathon in Kaptagat, Elgeyo Marakwet County on July 11, 2026.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and his Nandi counterpart, Mr Samson Cherargei are among the leaders who endorsed Prof Kindiki. They described him as the most suitable leader to succeed President Ruto in 2032.
“I have known you since you were my lecturer at the university, in the Senate, and I even took over from you as Interior CS. You have the right leadership qualities to take over in 2032 as I follow in your footsteps,” Mr Murkomen said, setting the stage for the succession politics.
The CS’s sentiments were echoed by Senator Mandago and Mr Cherargei, who said they were ready to rally support for Prof Kindiki.
“You have been loyal to President Ruto, you have delivered in your responsibilities, and come 2032, we shall rally behind you,” said Mr Cherargei.
The endorsements highlighted the growing succession debate within Kenya Kwanza, even as the coalition intensifies preparations for the 2027 elections.
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