Ruto Confident Ahead of 2027 Polls, Urges Opponents to Focus on Policy

President William Ruto has expressed confidence in the Kenyan electorate's ability to discern genuine policy from political rhetoric as the 2027 general elections approach.

In an interview with the Daily Nation on August 21, Ruto dismissed his political rivals' insults and slogans, urging them to present concrete policy alternatives instead of relying on name-calling.

Defending Government Programmes

Ruto highlighted key initiatives from his administration, including the Hustler Fund, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, the Social Health Authority (SHA), affordable housing, and university funding models. He emphasized that these are substantive programmes rather than mere campaign slogans.

• The Hustler Fund has disbursed about Ksh 90 billion to 27 million Kenyans, supporting small businesses and informal sector workers such as traders and boda boda operators.
• The Bottom-Up approach aims to empower ordinary citizens by focusing government resources on grassroots economic development.

Criticism of Opposition and Former Leadership

The President criticized calls from opposition figures to scrap or halt his administration's flagship projects, arguing that these proposals lack clear alternatives.

Ruto also took a swipe at former President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of choosing opposition politics over a unifying national leadership role. He said attempts to engage Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in forming a broader national vision were unsuccessful, as Kenyatta opted to sponsor opposition activities.

Call for Issue-Based Campaigning

As political competition intensifies, Ruto urged his opponents to move beyond slogans and insults. He called on them to present detailed plans for the country’s future governance.

“My competitors have to think beyond insults, slogans and chants. They have to think beyond that,” Ruto said, reinforcing his trust in the Kenyan people’s judgement.