KENYA : President William Ruto has downplayed suggestions that he could serve for only one term, insisting he's not threatened by the critics.
Speaking in Mandera on Tuesday, February 4, Ruto said his focus remains on delivering for the people of Kenya rather than engaging in premature political debates ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Head Of State insists Kenya-Kwanza administration is focused on service delivery to the Citizenry.
"Sometimes you are being threatened about serving for one term, but that is not my concern. What would make the 2027 elections different from all the other elections? People should calm down; there are no elections this year or next year. They should calm down until 2027. For now, we are concerned with development, and I promise you, I will deliver," he said.
Ruto also hit out at leaders claiming that he won't serve more than one term, emphasizing that his long experience in public service equips him well for the presidency.
"I can't accept threats ahead of the 2027 elections. I want to ask, I have served as an MP for 15 years, deputy president for 10 years, and now as president. What can someone threaten me with? And the problem with those who are threatening me is that they have never been president, and they don't even know what it takes to be president," he added.
Ruto's remarks come about a week after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Democratic Action Party (DAP) leader Eugene Wamalwa have announced a strategic alliance aimed at ensuring Ruto serves a single term.
Speaking during the unveiling of DAP-k party headquarters on Monday, January 27, Gachagua said the coalition plans to present a formidable challenge in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
He pledged to collaborate with all Kenyans to challenge Ruto's administration, making his re-election in 2027 unlikely.
"We are part of this team and will walk this journey together to liberate this country. We will make whatever sacrifices necessary to make sure William Ruto is a one-term president," he said.
On the other hand, in November 2024, Kalonzo expressed confidence that Ruto will not win re-election in 2027, predicting that he will become Kenya's first one-term president.
"When we tell people Ruto will be a one-term, they start disputing saying this will not happen. Times have changed. The time when your vote would matter has come and so Kenyans should not give up on hope," he said.
Meanwhile, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has called out President William Ruto following his remarks on early 2027 election campaigns.
In a statement on his X account on Wednesday, February 5, Sifuna opined that Ruto did not have the moral authority to castigate leaders over early campaigns.
According to the Senator, the President was among leaders who were engaged in early campaigns before the 2022 polls.
He added that the UDA party leader was also engaging in campaigns, hence, justification for him to call out other leaders engaged in the same behaviour.
"Ruto campaigned 9 out of the 10 years he was Uhuru’s deputy. He has already embarked on campaigns for 2027."
