Ruto Denies Efforts to Woo Kalonzo Musyoka Into Government

President William Ruto has dismissed claims that he is seeking a political alliance with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka ahead of the 2027 elections, saying his focus remains on development.

During a media engagement at the Kitui State Lodge on Thursday evening, Ruto rejected suggestions that he is courting Kalonzo or other opposition figures, including DAP–Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa. He described the reports as political distractions and said discussions about party alignments are not a priority for his administration. 

“As to matters regarding the relationship between political parties, those are discussions that are just politics. I am not here to discuss matters of politics,” he said.

Ruto emphasised that his government is concentrating on its development plans, particularly in Ukambani, where he promised to accelerate infrastructure and social projects. He said political questions would be addressed at the appropriate time and noted that every leader is free to decide their own political path. 

“I am here to discuss the development of the great people of Ukambani, and I will limit myself to that. Matters of politics we will discuss when the right time comes,” he added.

His remarks follow reports alleging that he is attempting to draw Kalonzo and Wamalwa into government in a strategy that could sideline Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Both Kalonzo and Wamalwa have denied any plans to leave the opposition and have dismissed the claims as unfounded.

Ruto also highlighted progress in completing projects initiated under former President Uhuru Kenyatta. He said his government is on track to finalise most of the pending works within a similar period to Kenyatta, who completed the bulk of Kibaki-era projects in his first two and a half years in office. 

“The former President recently said that it took him about two and a half years to complete most of the projects started by his predecessor, and I have also done just like him,” he said.