Ruto says Raila would have been his only 2027 rival

President William Ruto has stated that the late Raila Odinga would have been his only formidable rival in the 2027 general election, dismissing other potential contenders as lacking vision and development plans.

Speaking in Malava, Kakamega County, during the launch of his development tour on Thursday, Ruto painted a picture of the political landscape, claiming that those positioning themselves against him are more focused on tribalism and division than on offering solutions for the country.

“Mtu mwenye ningeshindana naye ni Raila, lakini sasa hawa wengine nitawamalizia asubuuuhi na mapema,” he said on Thursday.
(The only person I would have taken on is Raila, but as for these others, I’ll deal with them first thing in the morning.)

He added that his critics have no meaningful agenda and are failing to provide policies that address the daily struggles of ordinary Kenyans.

“Na sio bure... it is because they have no plan, no agenda, no programme. They are people who thrive on tribalism, spreading hatred, anger, and division,” Ruto said, urging political rivals to present concrete development strategies rather than indulging in “empty politics.”

President William Ruto addressing Kenyans during his tour of Kakamega on October 30, 2025/PCS

The President also singled out former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and current Governor Fernandes Barasa for their commitment to cooperation and national unity.

Ruto described them as leaders who have demonstrated maturity by adopting a broad-based governance approach that seeks to unite Kenyans.

“Akina Oparanya walikuwa Azimio, lakini wao ni viongozi wenye maono. Tumekubaliana hakuna haja ya kulumbana,” he said.
(The likes of Oparanya were in Azimio, but they are leaders with vision. We’ve agreed there’s no point in fighting.)

He further called for collaborative efforts to eliminate hatred and division in the country, emphasizing the importance of working together for national progress.

“Tushirikiane, tufanye kazi pamoja. Ndiyo, tumetengeneza serikali ya broad-based tuondoe chuki, migawanyiko na ubaguzi,” Ruto said, highlighting his administration’s focus on inclusivity and shared development goals.

Through his comments, Ruto reinforced his position as a leader prioritizing national unity and practical development, contrasting it with what he perceives as rival politicians’ focus on identity politics rather than actionable programs for Kenya’s growth.