President William Samoei Ruto took his message on the road to Migori County over the weekend, using a local football tournament to make a case for his leadership as the country quietly inches toward the 2027 general election.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Junet Mohamed Soccer Tournament in Suna East, Ruto struck a familiar tone — attacking what he called divisive politics and asking Kenyans to judge leaders by results rather than slogans.
“We are reshaping our politics by eradicating discrimination and empty rhetoric that have held back our country for far too long,” Ruto said. “We call on Kenyans to rally behind leaders with a proven track record, a clear vision and a credible plan for our future.”
Although the event centred on sports, the president’s remarks carried clear political weight. His call for support around “proven leadership” echoed the argument his camp is expected to lean on as he positions himself for a second term in 2027.
Ruto tied his appeal to the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, the policy blueprint that has defined his presidency. He said the strategy was meant to deliver inclusive growth and lift ordinary Kenyans, arguing that the country could one day rival global success stories such as Singapore.
“Through the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, we are accelerating inclusive growth so that Kenya can rise to match global success stories like Singapore,” he said.
The Migori visit was also notable because the region has traditionally been hostile political ground for Ruto. By appearing at grassroots events and mixing development promises with casual settings, the president appears keen to soften resistance in opposition-leaning areas ahead of 2027.
During the ceremony, Ruto announced that the government will build an Sh850 million stadium in Migori County, saying the project would support sports development and give young people better opportunities. He congratulated Radienya, the tournament winners, and thanked all teams that took part.
The president’s message comes at a time when many Kenyans are weighing his record against daily economic pressures, including high prices and new taxes. While the government points to infrastructure projects and economic reforms, critics argue that life has become harder for many households.
