Ruto Dismisses One-Term Presidency Claims as Gachagua Steps Up Criticism

During a recent visit to Northeastern Kenya, President William Ruto staunchly refuted speculation regarding his potential to serve only one term, asserting that the upcoming 2027 General Election will unfold in a manner consistent with previous electoral processes.

His comments addressed rising concerns about his political ambitions amid growing scrutiny. He called on Kenyans to remain calm, emphasizing that there are no elections scheduled. Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to his administration's objectives, which prioritize improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

"Sometimes people make threats saying I will be a one-term president. That is not my concern. 2027 will not be any different from all the other elections we have had. I will work and transform Kenya. Let no one threaten me about 2027," Ruto stated emphatically.

Ruto further lauded his extensive political background of 15 years as a Member of Parliament and a decade as Deputy President before assuming the presidency. These remarks occurred against a backdrop of increasing opposition from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has openly declared his intent to contest Ruto’s re-election. Gachagua has continued to criticise Ruto's leadership style as a "one-man show" and suggests that his cabinet operates more like a “praise-and-worship choir.”

“The government he leads is a one-man show; he wants his way and all those ministers you see there are flower girls,” Gachagua claimed, further asserting his previous role as one capable of standing up to Ruto’s decisions.

Gachagua has launched a campaign to challenge the accomplishments of President William Ruto during his recent tours across the country. In a recent interview held at his residence in Karen, Nairobi, Gachagua addressed three popular vernacular radio stations in Western Kenya, expressing concerns that the Kenya Kwanza administration has overlooked commitments he previously made to the region.

Gachagua points out that, although the region secured significant political positions, including the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Speaker of the National Assembly, vital infrastructure promises remain unmet. Specifically, he highlights the unmet pledge to upgrade 1,000 kilometres of roads to bitumen standards.

Additionally, Gachagua notes the lack of progress in establishing key economic sectors such as manufacturing, fisheries, and agro-processing and voiced disappointment that ongoing projects agreed upon in the power-sharing arrangement between the ANC, Ford Kenya, and UDA parties have yet to be completed.

Critiquing the region's fragmented political landscape, Gachagua laments that the community, despite being the second largest ethnic group after the Agikuyu, finds itself marginalized and receiving "leftovers" in the political arena.