President William Ruto has stepped up efforts to cement grassroots support by engaging over 10,000 village elders at State House Nairobi. During the event, he announced a package that includes a monthly stipend of Sh3,000, smartphones, health insurance, and leadership training for village elders, who play a key role in shaping local opinion.
"Are you ready? We start from here (Sh3,000) and when we cross the next election, we will push it even higher," Ruto told the enthusiastic crowd, linking the incentives to his political agenda. The elders responded with a unified "Tutam," signalling their commitment.
This initiative follows similar meetings with chiefs and assistant chiefs, where the President encouraged them to actively promote government policies at the grassroots level. The government has now integrated over 106,000 village elders into the national administrative framework.
Additional benefits include smartphones and health insurance under the Social Health Authority. Ruto urged the elders to champion the National Development Charter – Vision 2060, emphasizing that discussions must reach every county, ward, village, and household.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi called on elders to deliver a decisive victory for Ruto in 2027, citing the President's development record. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen urged rejection of tribalism and political incitement, announcing increased operational funding for chiefs and assistant chiefs—from Sh30,000 to Sh50,000 and Sh15,000 to Sh30,000 respectively.
ODM leader Oburu Oginga praised the programme as the first serious recognition of village elders by any government and confirmed ODM's support for Ruto's re-election bid, dismissing concerns over increased public spending.
Addressing election-related concerns, Ruto assured Kenyans of a free, fair, and peaceful 2027 poll, emphasizing the right of every citizen to choose their leader without intimidation.
Analysis
This outreach underlines President Ruto's strategy to build a strong political network through local opinion leaders ahead of the 2027 general election. By institutionalizing village elders with financial and social incentives, the government is reinforcing its grassroots presence. While supporters view this as recognition of community service, critics may question the use of public funds in what appears to be an electoral strategy.
