Ruto urges rivals to brace themselves for huge battle in 2027

President William Ruto during talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a Bi-Lateral meeting at United Nations on September 25, 2024 in New York, New York. [AFP]

President William Ruto has expressed confidence in earning another term in 2027 and challenged his opponents to prepare for a tough political contest.

The President who is on an early campaign mode, marketing his administration's efforts, believes he is on the right track. He spoke yesterday at Olbutyo Boys high school in Chepalungu constituency, Bomet County during the funeral service of former Cabinet Minister John Koech.

“I am not planning to lose the vote in 2027. Anyone thinking of challenging me must be well-prepared for the battle. I was given a job by Kenyans, and the assessment of my performance will take place in 2027. I know how I will navigate those hurdles,” he said.

He added, “You tasked me with improving agriculture and making it profitable for farmers. I have successfully improved the prices of milk and coffee, reduced the price of fertiliser, employed more teachers, and enhanced higher education through funding. I have a scorecard that I will rely on.”

He also spoke about progress made in the health sector, particularly regarding access to universal health care and employment of youth, among other achievements.

Despite the rosy picture he painted, several Kenyans have been complaining over their difficulties in accessing healthcare following the rollout of Social Health Authority.

But a defiant President believes his efforts will earn him another term. “Those who plan to oust me must have a plan, and that plan must be better than mine,” Ruto said.

He said Kenyans will decide who has fulfilled their mandate and who has not. He remarked that online critics tend to focus on creating silhouettes and cartoons on social media instead of addressing development issues. "These people making noise on social media face a challenging task if they think they can compete with me," he said.

Despite facing online criticism, he expressed confidence that he would silence his opponents by winning the presidential election in 2027.

Ruto asserted that he intends to prove his critics wrong by delivering on his ambitious promises, which some Kenyans have harshly ridiculed.

He dismissed the hecklers who disrupt his public speeches with the chant "uongo" (lies), stating that their ridicule would not hinder his efforts to implement his development plan.

He emphasized that he cannot afford to make detrimental mistakes with his administration. "I see some people are worried and claiming that I am telling lies. I want to address those who believe our promises will not be fulfilled: we will embarrass you in a short while," he noted.

"We are committed to fulfilling every promise we have made. I am not irrational; I know what I am doing, and we will plan everything accordingly," he added.