President William Ruto has launched a blistering attack on the current opposition, declaring that his only formidable rival in Kenyan politics was the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga — and that today’s opposition ranks “don’t even come close.”
Speaking on Thursday during his development tour in Malava, Kakamega County, the President accused opposition figures of “thriving on tribalism, hate, and chaos” instead of presenting credible solutions to Kenya’s challenges.
“Let me ask you, Malava people — when you look at me like this, do you really think those people are my competitors?” Ruto posed amid cheers. “My only worthy competitor was Raila Odinga. These others, I’ll finish in the morning.”
The head of state, who has been on a charm offensive across Western Kenya, said his administration’s focus remains on infrastructure, education, and employment, urging Kenyans to reject “politics of noise and division” ahead of the 2027 general election.
“Let’s plan about roads, education, employment, health — and then meet at 2027,” he told the crowd. “We must build, not bicker.”
President Ruto also defended his controversial “broad-based government”, saying it was designed to unite Kenyans and end tribal politics that have long divided the nation.
He pointed to his growing cooperation with former Azimio leaders such as Governor Ferdinand Barasa and former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, calling them “leaders with vision” who have chosen development over confrontation.
“Baraza was in Azimio, Oparanya was in Azimio — but we decided to put our differences aside and work together. That’s how we build Kenya,” Ruto said, adding that his administration was determined to “bury tribalism once and for all.”
Ruto’s remarks come amid renewed political tension, with opposition leaders accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration of economic mismanagement and state capture. The President, however, turned the guns on his critics, accusing them of lacking policy depth and clinging to “ethnic arithmetic” instead of articulating real alternatives.
“They have no agenda, no plan — just hate and division,” Ruto said, echoing a sentiment that has increasingly shaped his stump speeches across the country.
During the Malava tour, Ruto launched the tarmacking of the 34-kilometre Turbo–Sikhendu Road at Pan Paper in Lugari Constituency, a Sh3.6 billion project connecting Kakamega, Uasin Gishu, Bungoma, and Trans-Nzoia counties.
The project, part of his government’s rural transformation agenda, is expected to open up markets, cut transport costs, and boost regional trade.
Ruto also inspected the Pan Paper Economic Stimulus Programme Market, a project aimed at reviving local enterprise and creating new jobs.
Analysts view Ruto’s fiery remarks as a calculated jab meant to undermine a fragmented opposition still struggling to fill the vacuum left by Raila Odinga’s declining political involvement. The President’s narrative — that only Raila was a true rival — is being interpreted as both an homage and a political challenge.
Whether it’s nostalgia or strategy, Ruto’s message was clear: he sees no equal on Kenya’s political chessboard — at least not yet.
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