Kiraitu tells opposition: Ruto has never lost an election, won't be a one-term president

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Former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi has dismissed claims that President William Ruto will serve only one term, saying the Head of State has never lost an election.

Murungi urged leaders opposed to Ruto to focus on preparing for the 2032 General Election instead.

‎Murungi, who currently chairs the Competition Authority of Kenya, said he has known Ruto for decades and has closely followed his political career since they first served together in Parliament.

‎"There is no other person in this Meru who knows William Ruto more than I do. Tulikuwa Bunge naye 1997. There is no election which Ruto has ever lost," he said.

‎Speaking on Saturday during the burial of Mzee Patrick Baikilanya, the father of Igembe North MP Julius Taitumu, in Meru County, Murungi argued that Kenya's previous presidents all served the maximum constitutional terms available to them and questioned why some people believe Ruto would be different.

‎President Ruto attended the funeral alongside several political leaders.

‎"Kenyatta alienda three terms, Moi akaingia four terms, Kibaki two terms, Uhuru two terms. Do you think Ruto is foolish? Ati yeye atakuwa one term?" Murungi posed.

‎He cautioned Ruto's political rivals against underestimating the President, saying his track record demonstrates his ability to overcome political challenges.

‎"Watu hawajui huyo mtu. You don't know who you are dealing with," he said.

‎Murungi recalled that Ruto had previously defeated political opponents even while they controlled the government, saying those hoping to unseat him in 2027 should rethink their strategy.

‎"Kama alitushinda tukiwa kwa serikali... pangeni maendeleo kuanzia 2028 mpaka 2032," he said.

‎The former governor also observed that every Kenyan president has faced criticism while in office, saying Ruto's administration was no exception.

‎"Na hakuna president hajaipigiwa kelele; Moi, Kibaki, Uhuru na hii ya sasa ya Ruto," he said.

‎Murungi's remarks come amid heightened political activity as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with debates over President Ruto's re-election prospects increasingly dominating the political landscape.

‎The funeral of Mzee Baikilanya drew senior national and regional leaders, who paid tribute to him as a respected elder and community leader. Speakers described him as a hardworking and principled man whose legacy would continue through his family and service to the people of Meru.