Embattled United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has criticised President William Ruto’s leadership style, stating that the Head of State believes there is no competition for him ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking on K24 on Monday, August 11, 2025, the vocal legislator warned that Kenya’s political landscape has shifted drastically since the 2022 general election and that the current regime could have it rough in 2027 if the top brass in the ruling party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), do not accept the fact.

Orwoba’s sentiments come at a moment when President Ruto has been constantly stating that there is nothing to be afraid of from the opposition camp, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies. Ruto has been adamant that he will serve his second term without a doubt, despite the current political wave threatening his re-election bid.

Orwoba accused the Head of State of underestimating political competition, a mistake she likened to that of former President Uhuru Kenyatta during his post-2018 alliance with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga.

Competition

“Ruto does not believe there is a competition. That’s his problem. That is the problem Uhuru Kenyatta had when he partnered with Raila. They never used to see Ruto as anything,” Orwoba said.

Her remarks come at a time when political analysts note an evolving voter mood, economic discontent, and growing criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s performance on campaign promises. Orwoba, who insists she is still in UDA, argues that political tactics that worked in 2022 may not yield the same results in the future.

“So much has happened since 2022, and now it’s not the same politics. The things that we did in 2022 are not necessarily going to be done and translate into votes,” she observed.

The senator’s tribulations in the ruling party have sparked speculation about widening cracks within UDA and Kenya Kwanza at large. Her consistent criticism of government policies, particularly on governance and accountability, has reportedly placed her at odds with the party’s top leadership.

However, Orwoba maintains that her political stance is grounded in patriotism rather than personal rivalry. “I will always be a critic of the wrong things that are happening. Because we have a beautiful country and we need to change the things that we are doing,” she affirmed.