President William Ruto has barenuckled his political rivals, declaring that none of the leaders in the Opposition is sufficiently qualified to challenge him in the 2027 polls.

Addressing a rally in Nyamira on Monday, April 13, 2026, during a development tour, Ruto said his opponents lack the political weight, vision and track record needed to mount a serious contest against him.

“Do they really know me? If you weigh them, do you think there is anyone among them who is my size?” Ruto posed.

The President jolted the opposition figures for what he described as a lack of a clear agenda, saying meaningful political competition must be anchored on ideas and policies rather than rhetoric.

“The Opposition should have an agenda, a plan and vision for the country and then we can compete. As things stand now, we cannot compete because they have no agenda, plan or manifesto,” he said.

The Head of State maintained that the ultimate decision on leadership rests with voters, not political elites, urging Kenyans to focus on development records when electing leaders at all levels.

“It is the people who will decide who the governor, MCA, Woman Rep, MP, Senator and President will be. It is not those leaders in the Opposition who will decide, but you people.”

He added that voters should prioritise performance over personality or political theatrics.

“When you will be electing leaders, you will look at their track records and not at how good-looking one might be. You will elect someone due to the work they have done and not the insults they have hurled at their rivals.”

Ruto’s Gusii charm offensive?

The President used the platform to highlight his administration’s development agenda, promising to showcase tangible projects as he seeks re-election.

“I will come to show you the markets I have built, the roads I have constructed, power I have connected and hospitals I have equipped,” Ruto said.

In a pointed attack, he accused Opposition leaders of resorting to intimidation and empty threats, insisting that such tactics would not succeed.

“And they will not intimidate anyone in our country. They cannot tell us that they will remove the president,” he said.

Ruto further challenged his critics to demonstrate their own development record, questioning their contributions to local communities.

“Right here in Nyamira, is there a church they have built, is there any road they have constructed here or even a classroom?” he asked. “They should stop intimidating people.”

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) chief also said his administration is committed to safeguarding citizens from political intimidation, vowing to uphold democratic principles and inclusivity.

“And as President, I will not allow anybody to intimidate fellow citizens. Kenya does not belong to a few people but all people, not a few of the political class,” he said.

Political goonism?

Ruto’s assurance of safeguarding the citizens comes days after Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osostsi was attacked in Kisumu, with Linda Mwananchi honchos and other leaders blaming the government apparatus for orchestrating the violence.

For instance, Manyatta Member of Parliament Gitonga Mukunji has claimed that financing of violent political mobilisation comes from the State House and other high-level government offices.

During a morning interview with a local TV station on Monday, April 13, 2026, Mukunji made a political statement saying that the budgets for the Office of the President and the Office of the Deputy President are far too high and that they have extra money that has been used for political activities that have nothing to do with running the state.

“We are overbudgeting for these two offices; it is important to state clearly that the budgets for the statehouse and the office of the deputy president are highly exaggerated.

“There is a lot of money available, which is why you can see many delegations, numerous helicopters, and even the sponsorship of goons. Some of the money is coming from these two offices, and it’s a fact,” Mukunji stated.

He claimed that among these resources are those used to fund political mobilisation strategies, such as financing delegations, providing transport for large masses by helicopter, and sponsoring groups involved in disrupting political meetings.

This trend, according to the MP, is indicative of what he termed a ‘new order’ in Kenyan politics, as access to state power and resources is what defines the capability to be able to effectively mobilise political activities.

Mukunji has stated that there has been a growing skew toward individuals in government in political competition, and opposition leaders are being systematically blocked in their efforts to hold rallies or mobilise as well.