Speaking in Narok on the second day of his development tour, the president dismissed the anticipated opposition alliance, downplaying its threat to his re-election bid.
For the first time since the opposition staged a show of force at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Nyeri residence four days ago, revealing key figures behind their looming coalition, President Ruto now says he is more confident than ever about securing re-election.
“Hii Kenya iko vikundi viwili. Iko hii yetu ya broad-based watu wanaoamini umoja wa Wakenya, watu wanaoamini katika umoja. Lakini iko kikundi ingine ng’ambo ile, watu wa chuki, watu wa ukabila, watu wa migawanyiko wameungana tena kuendesha ukabila katika taifa letu. Nataka niseme sisi tuko tayari kukabiliana na nyinyi,” said Ruto.
Daring his opponents to come forward with a clear agenda for the country, President Ruto expressed confidence that he holds the best plan for Kenya. He expressed optimism that the 2027 contest will be a walk in the park, saying Kenyans will have witnessed the fulfilment of his promises by then.
“Mnasema niunganishe Kenya ama tutengane? Tuunganishe ama tutenganishe? Ndiyo tutengeneze mambo ya kilimo tumalize njaa? Tupange elimu ya watoto tuondoe ujinga? Tupange uchumi tumalize umaskini?… Na msikuwe na wasiwasi, hawa wengine nitawakaranga hapa mbele watashangaa,” added the Head of State.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also weighed in on the succession politics stating: “Ati wanapanga mikutano ya kupanga ukabila, hao jamaa waambiwe si ati hatuko ready. We are ready for them. Siku ya campaign ikifika tutawamalizia asubuhi na mapema.”
Even as he championed his administration’s policies across various sectors which he believes will revolutionize service delivery, long-standing land issues in Narok County took center stage, with the contentious Mau Forest land and, more recently, Ang’ata Barrikoi emerging as key concerns.
“Nimeita wazee wa Kalenjin, nimeita wazee wa Maasai tumekubaliana vile kazi hio tutatua. Tunataka amani pale na kila mtu apate haki yake. Kwasababu tunataka kila mwananchi apate hatimiliki ya mahali anaishi ndio awe na uhakikisho kwamba hapo ni kwake,” said Ruto.
The Narok tour concludes Thursday.
By Kamau Mwangi
