Ruto moves to court ‘enemy’ territory in 2027 two-term quest

President William Ruto has embarked on an aggressive political offensive targeting his rivals’ strongholds, as he seeks to expand his support base ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The President appears determined to penetrate regions considered political bastions of his opponents, even as he positions himself to inherit the vast support base of his former ally, the late ODM leader Raila Odinga.

“The President is free to try. He seems to be employing the same strategy he used in 2022 — reaching out directly to the people — but I doubt if it will yield the same results this time,” political analyst Martin Andati said.

Currently, Ruto is on a four-day charm offensive in the Ukambani region, the political turf of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, his main challenger in the 2027 race.

“Listen to me well. I made a mistake. I didn’t come for you earlier and left you on your own. Others took you around and abandoned you in the opposition,” Ruto told residents in Kitui on Thursday.

“Now, I have come back. Tell them that Ruto has said the issue of the opposition has come to an end.”

Kalonzo is seen as the leading presidential candidate of the United Opposition.

In his team is former deputy president and DCP boss Rigathi Gachagua.

Ruto has also extended his political foray into Mt Kenya — the traditional base of his estranged former deputy Gachagua.

Through Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, the President has maintained a sustained presence in the region, spearheading empowerment drives for youth and women while distributing funds, equipment and machinery.

At the same time, Ruto has hosted large delegations from the region at State House and dispatched senior government officials to rally support on his behalf.

“Our message is simple — don’t be misled by those spreading falsehoods. Look at the projects, jobs and transformations happening across the country. This government is about delivery, not noise,” Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura said at a recent forum in Kiambu.

Recently, the President had what was deemed a successful development-cum political tour of the region in an apparent effort to regain control of the area.

The President has also stepped up activities in Western Kenya, where he faces resistance from DCP leader Eugene Wamalwa and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.

In the region, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi have been deployed to counter the opposition narrative, complemented by frequent presidential visits and a slew of development promises.

Ruto has equally set his sights on Raila’s former strongholds. During Raila’s burial, the President pledged to safeguard the ODM party from being “dragged into opposition politics.”

“For the respect of Raila, I will not allow those who want to take ODM to gamble with it in the opposition,” Ruto said.

“Raila built ODM into a national movement anchored on democracy, inclusion, and justice. We will support you to keep ODM strong because that’s how we build a strong government.”

In Ukambani, the President has combined political rhetoric with development pledges, promising to end the region’s years in opposition.

“This time, by all means, Ukambani will not be in the opposition. I will go with you to the government. Those who don’t want to join, that’s their choice,” he said.

During his tour, Ruto announced the issuance of 42,000 title deeds to Kitui landowners, inspected the Tulia–Mbondoni Road and launched the Kitui Last Mile Electrification Project in Migwani.

He also commissioned the tarmacking of the Kamuw’ongo–Kandwia Road and handed over the new Kamuw’ongo Fresh Produce Market in Mwingi North.

In Makueni, the President commissioned the Sh1.9 billion Kasikeu and Mikuyu bridges and launched the Sh1 billion, 20km Emali–Matiliku Road — part of the 42km Emali–Ukia project.

He announced an allocation of Sh11 billion for 3,000 affordable housing units, Sh2 billion to connect 18,000 households to electricity by June 2026 and Sh900 million for 10 new markets, including a Sh70 million facility in Kasikeu.

The government has also set aside Sh145 million for technical college hostels in Kilome and Sh3.5 billion to equip hospitals under the National Equipment Service Programme.

“I can confidently state that this is the first-ever such level of development in Makueni county since independence,” Ruto said.

A similar charm offensive is underway in Mt Kenya, where the President seeks to reclaim his foothold through development-driven engagement.

On Tuesday evening, Kindiki hosted leaders from the region at his Karen residence in what insiders described as a strategy meeting aimed at rebuilding UDA’s grassroots structures.

Sources said the gathering was a “housekeeping and consolidation session” focused on development priorities and political coordination — particularly in light of the upcoming Mbeere North by-election, seen as a litmus test for the administration’s popularity.

“The plan involves monthly face-to-face meetings between the DP and Mt Kenya MPs to coordinate political activities, review development projects and gather real-time grassroots feedback,” said a source familiar with the discussions.

Kindiki, who has faced stiff opposition from his predecessor Gachagua, is anchoring his push on tangible government projects to win back locals confidence.

Mt Kenya, which overwhelmingly backed Ruto in 2022, has shown signs of political discontent following Gachagua’s impeachment and the rise of the United Opposition movement rallying against the government.

Gachagua’s allies have lately positioned him as the authentic defender of the region’s interests, accusing the Ruto administration of sidelining Mt Kenya in development and resource allocation.

The fallout has left DP Kindiki, who hails from Tharaka Nithi in the Mt Kenya East region, with the hard task of winning back the restive region.

His strategy had been through development-driven engagement rather than confrontational politics.

Political analysts say Kindiki’s approach could reframe the conversation in Mt Kenya from personality politics to tangible delivery, a strategy that might appeal to local leaders seeking to demonstrate results ahead of the 2027 elections.

“By emphasising structured meetings and coordination of development projects, Kindiki is positioning himself as a unifying figure who can bridge local interests with the national agenda."

“It’s a calculated move to rebuild trust in Kenya Kwanza’s leadership in a region feeling politically abandoned,” political commentator and youth leader Dennis Mwangi said.

The Deputy President’s decision to directly engage MPs also signals an attempt to counter Gachagua’s growing influence, which has been fuelled by his populist rhetoric and claims that the region has been sidelined in appointments and funding allocations.

With its huge vote basket, Mt Kenya’s hostility has become a major concern for President Ruto’s re-election, even as he grapples with the consolidation of other regions, such as Western.