Kenya’s political engines are already roaring — more than two years before the 2027 General Election. What should be a season of service delivery has morphed into an all-out campaign, with both President William Ruto and the opposition criss-crossing the country, drumming up support under the guise of development tours.
President William Ruto, actively laying the groundwork for his re-election bid, has intensified his focus on the traditionally opposition-leaning Nyanza region.
He has made five high-profile visits to the area since the political sidelining of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, aiming to inherit the political base of the late Raila Odinga.
This push seeks to compensate for perceived weakening support in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region, which was instrumental in his 2022 victory.
This week, Ruto hosted a delegation from Siaya County, led by Governor James Orengo—a known critic—at State House. He announced a suite of development pledges, including Sh1 billion for the development of the Usenge Pier and associated port infrastructure to boost the blue economy.
“We will also construct markets across the country at a cost of Sh10.5 billion and allocate Sh1.6 billion to connect over 15,000 households to electricity,” Ruto stated.
During a tour of Homa Bay and Kisumu counties on 31 May, accompanied by local leaders, he promised that 25,000 households in Homa Bay would receive affordable electricity by the year’s end.
Meanwhile, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is concentrating on consolidating support in the Mt Kenya region, promoting economic empowerment programmes and announcing millions of shillings for projects targeting women and youth.
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Facing this government offensive, the opposition has rallied under the potent “One-Term” slogan. Key figures Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Party leader) and Rigathi Gachagua (now spearheading the opposition’s charge) are leading the movement. They recently concluded a two-day tour across Ukambani and are now campaigning in the Coast region—historically a Ruto stronghold—aiming to “pry” it away.
“We have come here to start the journey of making Ruto a one-term president,” Gachagua declared at a Coast rally. Opposition leaders heavily criticised Ruto’s economic policies, accusing him of “emptying the pockets of Kenyans” through excessive taxation, particularly targeting alcohol producers.
Kalonzo promised Coast residents the repeal of controversial initiatives such as the housing levy and reforms to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) if they win in 2027. They warned that their current activities are merely the “beginning of a bristling political convoy”.
Political analysts have expressed concern over the premature campaign fever. Dr Judy Makira criticised the atmosphere, stating:
“This early electioneering has heightened political tensions, deepened polarisation, and left many citizens concerned about the disregard for socio-economic disparities in favour of political theatrics.”
Analyst Gitile Naituli argued that Ruto should prioritise service delivery over “political theatre”, noting that legacy projects established early would have offered a stronger foundation for re-election than the current focus, which is exacerbated by incidents such as alleged abductions.
With the 2027 polls still distant, Kenya is witnessing an unprecedented early and expensive political mobilisation, diverting attention and resources towards the contest for power at the expense of pressing national issues—setting the stage for a protracted and divisive electoral battle.
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