After opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, pledged to challenge President William Ruto and weaken his chances of re-election in the 2027 general election, the Head of State has responded.
While meeting residents of Mandera, President Ruto dismissed concerns about his re-election in 2027, urging Kenyans to focus on development.
“Sometimes you are threatened with talk of a one-term presidency, two-term but that is not my concern. Will the 2027 election be any different from the ones we have held before? What is the problem?” Ruto posed.
He urged leaders to “relax and wait for 2027 when the time comes”, emphasizing that “there is no election this year or next year.”
Ruto went on to state that he has been in politics for many years, having served as a Member of Parliament, Deputy President, and now as the President.
“I was an MP for 15 years, Deputy President for 10 years, and now I am serving as President for almost five years now. What is it that I have not become? What can someone threaten me with?” Ruto posed.
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At the same time, the Head of State took a swipe at his critics, remarking that those issuing threats have never been president and don’t even know what it takes to be one.
He reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Kenya, saying, “I will do this job with God’s guidance because I will not be intimidated.”
“Right now, my focus is on building roads, connecting homes to electricity, improving water supply, ensuring our children get an education, and implementing Universal Health Care. That is my priority for now,” he added.
This is not the first time Ruto has addressed growing speculation about whether his presidency will be limited to a single term.
Also Read: Ruto Fires Back at Gachagua and Kalonzo
Ruto Says God Gave Him a Role to Play
Ruto sparked further curiosity when he mentioned that he became the fifth president against all odds, despite many people having ruled him out.
“Some people are talking about one term, two terms, and three terms. I want to tell them that back then, some people never imagined I would even have any term. By God’s grace, I have become the President of Kenya,” he said.
“I’m happy that the Lord has given me this opportunity to serve as the President of Kenya. I’m a very proud President of the Republic of Kenya. There’s a role God has given me to play. God has given me an opportunity to lead this nation and an assignment to transform Kenya and I have every intention to make sure that we transform our nation.”
The former Deputy President has relentlessly criticized Ruto’s administration since he was ousted through impeachment last October.
While joining opposition politicians Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa at the unveiling of the latter’s new DAP Party headquarters in Nairobi, Gachagua said he was part of the group and would walk with them on the journey to liberate the country.
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