President William Ruto yesterday launched a strong political offensive against his critics and potential challengers in the 2027 election.

Reacting to his opponents’ claims that he will be a one-term President, Ruto asserted that the future of Kenya’s democratic process will not be dictated by ethnic divisions, hostility, or incitement as advanced by his political adversaries.

Speaking in Rongo and Awendo towns in Migori County, Ruto urged the Opposition to shift away from what he described as outdated and destructive political tactics.

He emphasised the need for issue-based politics, calling on his rivals to present meaningful policies and solutions rather than relying on fear-mongering or exploiting tribal identities.

“I want to challenge our competitors to begin crafting a real agenda for the country,” the President declared.

He told critics: “They must abandon the notion that they can rally support through the politics of hatred, fear, or division. That strategy has no place in the Kenya we are building.”

‘Divisive tactics’

The President reiterated that anger, tribalism, and hatred would not serve as the foundation of the next electoral contest. Instead, he called for political discourse grounded in unity, progress, and the aspirations of all Kenyans.

“These divisive tactics will not define the next election,” President Ruto said, underscoring his vision for a more cohesive and forward-looking political landscape.

Ruto’s unapologetic response to his critics came amid emerging 2027 challengers, whom he dismissed as rooted in “outdated ethnic and divisive politics”.

During a high-profile political gathering hosted by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County on Sunday, opposition leaders criticized Ruto. They vowed to “send the President home”, claiming he was not steering the country in the right direction.

Gachagua’s meeting brought together key opposition figures, including former Interior Cabinet Secretary and newly declared 2027 presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i. Also in attendance were Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, PLP leader Martha Karua, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, and numerous MCAs, MPs, and senators.

The group, which has been consolidating national support, used the occasion to declare their intention to make Ruto a one-term President. Matiang’i urged Kenyans to entrust him with leadership, promising a new direction for the country.

But Ruto, unfazed by the growing momentum among his opponents, challenged them to stop focusing on personality-based attacks and instead present coherent, people-centred policy alternatives.

‘Solutions, not slogans’

“I want to ask our competitors to start looking for an agenda,”Ruto said.

“They must not imagine they will sell us hatred, fear, or divisions. The next election will not be determined by anger, tribalism, or hostility. Kenyans want solutions – not slogans.”

Ruto’s remarks come as opposition leaders prepare to issue a joint statement that could officially confirm Matiang’i as their presidential flag-bearer in the coming days. This could solidify the opposition’s coalition of seasoned political figures rallying against the incumbent’s re-election bid.

President defended

Meanwhile, in Migori, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed criticised the opposition alliance, dismissing it as a “directionless roadshow”. He ridiculed their rallying cry, “Ruto Must Go”, calling it a tired and recycled slogan that has outlived its political effectiveness.

“That slogan doesn’t even need launching. Just grab a mic in Nairobi and shout it,” Junet said mockingly.

“We’ve heard it all before – ‘Moi Must Go’, ‘Uhuru Must Go’ – and they all finished their terms. What makes this different?”

Junet also criticised the opposition for lacking a coherent development agenda, questioning their ability to inspire trust among ordinary Kenyans.

“You form alliances with no concrete plan for mama mboga or boda boda riders, and your big idea is shouting someone out of office? That’s not leadership,” he said.

Kehancha tension

Meanwhile, tension gripped Kehancha town in Kuria West sub-county following the arrests of three people accused of throwing a shoe at President Ruto and disrupting his visit to the region.

The incident, which took place during a presidential address, has stirred mixed reactions from local residents and leaders alike.

According to a Kehancha police report, the three suspects were arrested shortly after the President’s engagement in the town, where he launched development projects and met with local leaders.

The first suspect, 18-year-old Paul Mutongori Marwa, was reportedly caught on camera throwing a shoe in the direction of the President while he was addressing the public.

Although the projectile did not hit its intended target, the act caused alarm among security personnel and the crowd. Police say Marwa’s action was a serious breach of protocol and posed a potential threat to the President’s safety.

The other two suspects – Ezron Muherai Mwita (22) and Nicholas Sangonyi Mwita (20) – are said to have been heckling the President during his speech, drawing attention and disrupting the flow of the event.

All three suspects are residents of Kuria West.