Willis Otieno rubbishes Moses Kuria’s take on implications of sending Ruto home
By David Nthua, July 5, 2026Lawyer Willis Otieno has faulted former Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria over remarks suggesting that removing President William Ruto from office in 2027 could strengthen him politically and enable him to return to power in 2032.
Otieno said Kuria’s argument effectively amounted to an admission that the current administration had failed to deliver to Kenyans.
His response followed Kuria’s warning about the possible political consequences of making Ruto a one-term president.
A call for accountability
Responding to the former Cabinet Secretary, Otieno said fear about Ruto’s possible political comeback should not be used to shield his administration from accountability.
“If your biggest argument against removing a failed government is that its leader might mount a comeback years later, then you’ve already admitted the current administration has failed.
“Democracy is not about preserving leaders out of fear of tomorrow; it is about holding them accountable today,” Otieno said.
The lawyer maintained that the performance of the government should determine how voters judge it at the next General Election.
He rejected the suggestion that Kenyans should retain a government they consider unsuccessful because its leader could later become a stronger opposition figure.
Voters decide
Otieno said citizens should not be expected to tolerate poor governance based on predictions about what could happen after the 2027 election.
“No Kenyan should endure poor governance simply because someone might become a stronger opposition politician in the future. Elections are decided by voters, not by political prophecy,” he said.
His remarks directly challenged Kuria’s warning that defeating Ruto after one term could allow the President to reorganise himself in opposition and make another bid for State House in 2032.
Otieno insisted that elections should remain a process through which citizens assess leaders and hold them responsible for their record in office.
Kuria’s comments come as political leaders intensify discussions about the 2027 General Election, with opposition figures seeking to unite behind a candidate capable of challenging Ruto.
The president and his allies have continued defending the government’s development and economic record while urging Kenyans to give the administration more time to implement its programmes.