Fred Ogola warns of ballot revolt against Ruto in 2027
By Aloys Michael, July 24, 2025Governance expert Fred Ogola has sharply criticised President William Ruto’s leadership style, warning that growing public dissatisfaction could lead to a ballot revolution in the 2027 general elections.
His remarks come amid rising political tensions and accusations of shrinking democratic space in Kenya.
As the 2027 polls inch closer, Ogola reflected on the growing narrative that the next election will be a referendum on President Ruto’s governance style, one marked by calls for accountability, democratic space, and a shift from populist rhetoric to meaningful reform.
In an interview on a local TV station on Thursday, July 24, 2025, Ogola took issue with recent remarks and actions from the President that he said appear to equate public dissent with disloyalty or even criminality.
“If demanding our constitutional rights makes us terrorists, then Ruto must know it’s him vs the terrorists, and there will be a terrorist revolution at the ballot to send him home,” he asserted.
Ogola warned that dismissing legitimate concerns and labelling critics undermines the foundations of a democratic society and alienates a population that is already grappling with economic hardship and political disillusionment.
Broad-based in shipwerck
In a broader critique of the current political landscape, Ogola pointed to the political alliance between President Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga as a turning point for public perception.
“If there’s anything that truly helped Kenyans see the truth, it’s the coming together of William Ruto and Raila Odinga, because it revealed who they are to the people,” he stated.
He further criticised the President’s tone and message during his recent appearance at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), saying Ruto missed an opportunity to inspire confidence in the economy.
“Show me your friends, and I will tell you who you are. Those surrounding President Ruto are failing him. Bringing politics into the corporate scene is misguided,” he said.
“He should have read the mood in the room at the NSE and offered a breath of fresh air and confidence to the business community, not political talk.”
Ogola urged Ruto to allow room for dissent, noting that public trust is earned through transparency, not intimidation.
“President Ruto needs to regain the trust of Kenyans. He should allow room for dissent and constructive criticism friendly fire,” he advised.
“Unfortunately, he appears unwilling to tolerate opposition. A mere change in tone will not be enough to help him.”