Barrack Muluka details how political violence risks tainting Ruto’s legacy
By Faith Lagat, July 14, 2026Seasoned political analyst Barrack Muluka has said Kenya risks sinking into deeper political divisions if the country does not address the violence and intolerance witnessed during recent by-elections, hence tainting President William Ruto’s legacy.
Speaking during a television interview on Monday, July 13, 2026, Muluka said the recent contests in Malava, Baringo North, the upcoming Ol Kalou and several county assembly by-elections should serve as a warning ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“If we continue like this, we are going to have a crisis that is going to make 2007 look like children’s play,” he said.
Muluka said the recent incidents point to a growing culture of political violence that requires urgent attention.
Re-election and political competition
Muluka linked the rising political tensions to what he described as an intense focus on retaining power.
“The fixation that President Ruto has that he needs to have many years makes it obligatory by hook or crook. If he cannot persuade you, he will buy you.”
He questioned the distribution of items such as mattresses during political campaigns, saying they should not be viewed as development. “Let nobody cheat us that this is development. What kind of development does a mattress bring?”
Muluka also said political competition should not be reduced to the distribution of goods during campaigns, arguing that elections should be based on policies and leadership.
He further said recent by-elections had demonstrated the need to strengthen democratic institutions and safeguard peaceful political participation.
Ruto’s legacy at stake
Muluka said the country’s leadership bears responsibility for preventing political violence and protecting democratic institutions.
“The buck stops with the office of the president. The buck stops with William Ruto.”
He warned that failure to address the current political environment could affect the president’s legacy. “And his legacy risks being the legacy of a failed state. This is how states fail.”
Muluka said leaders should ensure institutions remain accountable and independent, warning against situations where responsibility for acts of political violence becomes difficult to establish.
Call for action
Muluka urged leaders to address the growing political tensions before the country enters the 2027 election period.
“If we do not stop this now, next year, this country will go to the dogs.”
He said Kenya should learn from countries that have struggled with prolonged political instability and strengthen institutions responsible for maintaining law and order.
His remarks come amid heightened political activity ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election and following recent incidents that have seen rival political camps trade accusations over violence and intimidation during campaign events.