As the 2027 elections loom closer, Kenyan President William Ruto faces mounting headwinds that threaten to derail his administration. The country is grappling with economic, political and social pressures.
Kenya’s so-called Gen-Z movement remains ready to mobilise against a statesman they view as failing to address various socioeconomic challenges. These include high unemployment, governance shortcomings, and a flawed national healthcare scheme – all while taxes have increased. These taxes have been touted as a means to ease Kenya’s dire fiscal position and unsustainable debt amid efforts to appease both the International Monetary Fund and creditors – and avoid a default.
While seemingly prudent, Ruto’s attempts at placating international finance institutions and remedying Kenya’s fiscal shortcomings have been increasingly rejected by the population. This is amid popular perceptions that he is placing undue pressure on Kenyans while failing to address wasteful expenditure, inflated salaries and enduring corruption.
With Ruto’s back seemingly against a wall, he has been forced into another ‘handshake deal,’ which has become synonymous with Kenyan politics. In the wake of last year’s Gen-Z protests, Ruto brought in members of the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) – led by prominent opposition figure Raila Odinga – in a bid to create a unity government. A move that has drawn criticism of the current regime, with several candidates.declaring interest in the State House race.
Embakasi East Member Of Parliament Dr. Paul Ongili, Popularly known as 'Babu Owino' becomes the latest candidate. Owino has declared that he is overqualified for any political position in the country, including the presidency.
Speaking on Friday, April 18, the outspoken Legislator claimed he is spoilt for choice, with his supporters urging him to contest for Presidency or the Nairobi Governor seat.
Ongili, maintained that he would beat Ruto, insisting that he is the only candidate capable of beating the incumbent at the ballot come 2027.
The Legislator emphasized that he possesses all the necessary qualities to lead Kenya at the highest level, pointing to his political expertise, passion, energy, intellect, and faith in God as his strongest attributes.
However, the lawmaker maintained that, for now, his priority remains serving the people of Embakasi East, pointing out he will make his decision when the time is right.
"I will wait for the decision of the People. As of Now, I'm spoilt for choice. At this point, we more than qualify to be President of the Republic of Kenya. It is only Babu Owino who can beat William Ruto Squarely, a day before elections" he said.
This is not the first time the vocal legislator who has been at the forefront in calling out bad governance, has declared his interest in the top seat.
"I have all the instruments necessary: the political acumen available, the passion and energy, and the third thing I have is the intellect, and the most important thing that I have, is God. I am overqualified to be: a President, Governor and a member of the National Assembly. For now, the most important thing and urgent is to work for my people,” Babu Owino had earlier stated.
In November 2024, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino hinted at his intention to vie for the presidency in the upcoming elections, with Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro as his running mate. His announcement, which he shared on X account, was accompanied by a statement urging Kenyans to rally behind them.
“Don’t be cheated, this is where the future is. All Kenyans are advised to follow the duo. We will be there no matter what. Big things coming up,” Babu Owino stated.
The legislator was recently ranked as the best-performing MP in Kenya. A survey conducted by research firm Infotrak placed him at the top with an overall performance score of 72%.
Meanwhile, Ruto’s political survival hinges on his actions over the coming months, especially regarding the 2025 Finance.
As the 2025 Finance Bill presentation and anniversary of last year’s unrest approach, Ruto needs to appease the local population, meet the expectations of anxious creditors, and ensure that Kenya’s powerful patronage networks continue to benefit.
Ruto will need to prioritise public demands over creditor expectations to prevent any mobilisation against his position. However, failure to sufficiently address creditor concerns would pose its own risks to the economy, and by extension Ruto, over the medium to longer terms.
Even if Ruto strikes this delicate balance, precedent in Kenya suggests that anything is possible ahead of the 2027 elections.
With Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at the Forefront building a rebellion against the Incumbent in the Vote-rich Mt Kenya Region, Ruto faces a Mountain in his re-election bid. Several candidates are expected to face off the Incumbent including former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i, Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Party Leader), Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K party leader), George Natembeya (Trans-Nzoia County Governor), Okiya Omtata (Busia County Senator) and Former Cj David Maraga, just to name a few.
The opposition has embarked on a high-stakes strategy of building a new coalition ahead of the 2027 general election, with new presidential aspirants having emerged. This is expected to set the stage for a major political battle as the anticipated coalition principals begin strengthening their political parties.
