EXPERT COMMENT: President has to reinvent self to get it right in election

Looking at the latest TIFA data, President William Ruto faces a difficult political reality ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The figures suggest that support for the UDA has declined compared to the momentum the party enjoyed in 2022.

Beyond party popularity, questions are also emerging about whether his administration has sufficiently delivered on its promises.

 Another major challenge revolves around the debate over his preferred running mate for 2027.

 A section of his allies believe he should retain the current deputy arrangement in the interest of loyalty and stability. However, that option comes with political risks.

 The prospective candidate does not appear to command strong influence in the Mt Kenya region, which remains one of the country’s most decisive voting blocs.

 This creates a potential lose-lose situation for the President. If he retains the same ticket but performs poorly in Central Kenya, the decision could significantly weaken his re-election prospects.

 This leaves President Ruto with limited but critical options.

 First, he may need to rethink and reinvent his messaging around the running mate issue to inject fresh energy into his campaign.

 The choice of deputy in Kenyan politics is not merely symbolic. It is deeply tied to regional balance, succession politics and coalition-building.

 Secondly, the President must urgently improve his broader political communication strategy.

 Increasingly, there is a perception gap between government messaging and what citizens feel on the ground.

 In parts of the Rift Valley, traditionally considered his political stronghold, dissatisfaction is beginning to emerge.

 Residents in counties such as Uasin Gishu county and Nandi county argue that development has not matched expectations, citing slow infrastructure progress despite repeated promises.

 Ultimately, the President’s path to 2027 may depend on his ability to repackage himself politically — not just as the incumbent seeking another term, but as a leader capable of offering a renewed vision for the future.

 Maseno University communications don spoke to Star