President William Samoei Ruto on Thursday defended his administration’s record and signalled an early political contest ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying he is ready to account to Kenyans for every promise he made during the 2022 campaigns.
Speaking to residents of Kapsabet town in Nandi County, Ruto said his government had fulfilled the commitments outlined in its manifesto and challenged political rivals to present alternative development agendas instead of relying on rhetoric.
“I am ready to account for every commitment I made to the people of Kenya. Over the past three years, we have fulfilled our promises as outlined in our manifesto,” he said.
The president said the next election should be based on performance and policy proposals, insisting that voters should evaluate leaders based on their development record.
“Our visible and impactful development record sets the pace for the next election, where leaders will be judged on their track record or on an agenda that speaks to the needs of the people,” Ruto said.
In remarks widely interpreted as a jab at his critics and potential challengers, the president dismissed what he termed personality-driven and divisive politics.
“There will be no room for empty rhetoric, personality-driven, divisive and tribal politics that has for far too long held our country back,” he said.
Kenya’s next General Election is scheduled for August 2027 under the Constitution, when voters will elect the president, members of Parliament, governors and Members of County Assemblies. Although the polls are still more than a year away, political activity across the country has intensified as leaders begin positioning themselves.
Ruto came to power in the 2022 election after defeating opposition leader Raila Odinga in a tightly contested presidential race that was decided by a narrow margin. Since then, the president has repeatedly defended his administration’s economic reforms, including tax measures and changes to subsidies, which have faced criticism from sections of the opposition and some of his former allies.
In recent months, political tensions have also been fuelled by growing criticism from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has accused the government of sidelining parts of the Mount Kenya region and failing to deliver on key promises.
The president has, however, continued to tour different regions of the country, highlighting development projects and rallying support as political alignments gradually take shape ahead of the 2027 contest.
