President William Ruto has stepped up his attack on the opposition, warning that leaders seeking power through violence, tribal politics and division will have no place in Kenya’s 2027 political contest.
Speaking in Kisumu during the second day of his five-day tour of Nyanza, Ruto said the next General Election should be fought on development records and competing agendas rather than personalities and ethnic mobilisation.
He accused his political rivals of relying on what he termed outdated politics characterized by rhetoric, tribalism and confrontation.
“We have raised the bar of leadership in Kenya. It is not about personalities; it is about the people,” Ruto said.
The President challenged the opposition to spell out what it would offer Kenyans, warning that criticism of his administration without an alternative programme would not be enough to win power.
“If you do not have an agenda, we will defeat you early in the morning,” he said.
Ruto said peace, stability and national unity remained central to his administration’s agenda, arguing that political disruption would undermine investment, economic growth and job creation.
He warned that the government would not tolerate politicians who seek to create instability for political gain.
According to the President, the 2027 election could mark a turning point in Kenya’s politics by shifting focus away from ethnic blocs and divisive campaigns towards development, inclusion and national interests.
“The politics of tribalism, divisiveness and discrimination must come to an end,” he said.
Ruto also pointed to the growing cooperation between his United Democratic Alliance and the Orange Democratic Movement, saying the partnership was aimed at promoting national unity and accelerating development.
The remarks come as political activity around the 2027 election intensifies, with both government and opposition leaders increasingly trading accusations over governance, economic performance and the country’s political direction.
Ruto used the Kisumu visit to portray his administration as focused on development while challenging his opponents to present a competing record.
He said the government had allocated Sh23 billion for eight road projects covering about 270 kilometres in Kisumu County.
The President also said Sh44 billion had been committed to affordable housing projects in the county, including 12,000 housing units, 20 modern markets and student hostels with capacity for 12,000 beds.
During the tour, Ruto commissioned the Sh8.4 billion Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project, which is expected to connect an additional 53,000 households to reliable water supply and 23,000 households to sewerage services.
He also launched construction of the 12-kilometre Rabuor-Chiga road, a Sh962 million project expected to provide an alternative link between Kondele and the Kisumu-Ahero road.
In Chemelil, the President inspected works on the Chemelil-Muhoroni/Junction road, part of the broader Sh15.7 billion Kisumu-Chemelil-Muhoroni-Kipsitet road upgrade.
Ruto also opened the Kisumu West Sub-County Police Headquarters and commissioned a new air traffic control tower at Kisumu International Airport.
He later addressed Jua Kali artisans, announcing that five acres had been set aside for the construction of a modern workshop.
The President was accompanied by Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Kisii Governor Simba Arati and several MPs and government officials.
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