Anthony Kibagendi, Member of Parliament for Kitutu Chache South, has criticised President William Ruto's leadership, asserting that the President has lost the crucial support that propelled him to power in 2022.

During a televised interview on July 27, 2026, Kibagendi argued that Kenya's political landscape is evolving, with younger voters shifting focus from ethnic-based mobilisation to broader concerns such as regional representation, generational change, professional interests, and demographics.

Changing Political Dynamics

"We are in a different political dispensation where things are not done traditionally as he thinks. He thinks like William Ruto. William Ruto still thinks of tribes. We are thinking differently as a generation. While we think about regions, we also think about various demographics, generations, and professionals," Kibagendi said.

Collapse of Ruto's Support Pillars

The MP identified the pillars that initially supported Ruto’s ascent: the church, major ethnic voting blocs, the hustler movement, professionals, and international goodwill. He claimed these foundations have since eroded.

  • Church backing
  • Ethnic voting blocs
  • Hustler movement
  • Professional groups
  • International goodwill

"William Ruto has lost everything he started with. The pillars that put William Ruto in power... He has lost all that," Kibagendi stated.

Reliance on State Power

Against this backdrop, Kibagendi contended that the Ruto administration has increasingly depended on state violence to enforce its authority, citing incidents such as those in Olkalau.

"Now what does he have as pillars? He has state violence. We saw it in Olkalau and various other places," he added.

Looking Ahead to 2027 Elections

Kibagendi’s remarks underscore a growing political debate on governance, public trust, and accountability. He emphasised that a new generation of voters demands leadership that transcends ethnic loyalties, focusing instead on inclusivity, competence, and transparency.

As the 2027 general elections approach, Kenya faces significant political realignments, with discussions intensifying over whether traditional voting patterns are giving way to more issue-based politics.