Kiraitu Murungi: Do you think Ruto is foolish enough to go home after one term?
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 11, 2026Former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi has defended President William Ruto’s political record, saying the Head of State is unlikely to leave office after only one term despite growing criticism ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Saturday, July 11, 2026, during the burial of Mzee Patrick M’Anaiba Baikilanya, the father of Igembe North MP Julius Taitumu M’anaiba, Kiraitu said he has known President Ruto for decades and believes his political experience shows he cannot be underestimated.
Kiraitu said he and Ruto entered Parliament together in 1997 and have followed each other’s political journeys for many years.
“I don’t think there is another person in Meru who knows William Ruto more than myself. Tuliingia bunge, tulikuwa bunge na yeye 1997. We continued with Ruto,” Kiraitu said.
The former governor said Ruto has never lost an election since joining active politics, arguing that his political resilience should not be ignored.
“There is no election which Ruto has ever lost. Hiyo miaka yote, tangu aingie mpaka sasa, he has never lost an election,” he said.
Kiraitu questions one-term claims
Kiraitu dismissed suggestions by youths and opposition leaders that President Ruto could serve only one term, saying previous presidents also faced strong criticism but went on to complete their terms.
He referred to Kenya’s past presidents, including Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, while arguing that political criticism is normal for leaders holding the country’s highest office.
“Jomo Kenyatta alikuwa hapo three terms. Moi akaingia four terms, karibu tano. Kibaki akaingia two terms. Uhuru two terms. Do you think Ruto is so foolish? That yeye ndiye atakuwa one term aende nyumbani?” he asked.
“Watu hawajui huyu mtu. You don’t know who you are dealing with,” he added.
Kiraitu’s remarks came amid intensified political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with opposition leaders including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua calling for a united effort to stop President Ruto from securing a second term.
Gachagua has repeatedly argued that Ruto should be a one-term president and has said he is willing to support another candidate to challenge him in 2027.
Kiraitu said all previous presidents experienced public criticism during their administrations, arguing that protests and political opposition do not necessarily translate into electoral defeat.
“I was there, I was a university student wakati Jomo. Tulimpigia kelele sana. Then Moi akaja, tukampigia kelele na akaendelea,” he said.
“Kibaki akapigiwa yake, Uhuru. Hata hii ingine ya Ruto, hii ni kawaida. There is no president who we don’t make noise at,” he added.
The former South Imenti MP said he was encouraged by what he described as Ruto’s strength in dealing with political pressure.
“I’m happy the way he’s strong,” Kiraitu said.
Kiraitu backs Ruto’s development agenda
Kiraitu, who was recently appointed as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Competition Authority of Kenya, said he will continue working with leaders in Meru to promote development.
President Ruto appointed Kiraitu to the Competition Authority board for a three-year term through Gazette Notice No. 9603 dated June 26, 2026.
The former Meru governor said his current focus is not elective politics but supporting economic growth and development initiatives.
“I’m not in elective politics now, lakini nitafanya kazi na viongozi wengine wa Meru. So that Meru, I’ll work day and night to make sure that Meru does not disappear in the map of Kenya,” he said.
Kiraitu also backed President Ruto’s economic vision, saying he supports efforts to grow businesses and improve Kenya’s economy.
“He amesema, in fact, I’m happy you gave me this job ya kuinua biashara Kenya. Mimi tuko na wewe. Hiyo njia umesema tuende Singapore, tuko hapo hapo. We’ll do our best,” he said.
Kiraitu’s comments come as Meru leaders intensify political activities ahead of the 2027 General Election, with different camps already taking positions on President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, who serves as the organising secretary of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has been involved in campaigns pushing the one-term message against President Ruto in the Mt Kenya East region. Linturi has also emerged as a key contender for the Meru gubernatorial seat in 2027.
Former Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, the Party of National Unity (PNU) leader, has also backed the one term campaign, arguing that the current administration has failed to deliver for Kenyans. Munya has accused the government of misusing public resources instead of addressing citizens’ challenges. He is also competing for the Meru governor’s seat in the 2027 elections.