NAIROBI — President William Ruto is calling for an end to early political campaigns. But many Kenyans are asking: is he the right man to say so?
On Tuesday, while unveiling a new housing project in Nairobi’s Mukuru area, the President took aim at leaders he accused of fuelling premature election fever. His message was clear: stop the politicking and focus on work.
“There are two types of citizens,” Ruto said. “Those who work without stopping, and those who are stuck in politics. I choose to work.”
The remarks appeared aimed squarely at his deputy-turned-rival, Rigathi Gachagua, who has been openly positioning himself for the 2027 presidential race. Gachagua recently launched a new political party Democracy for Citizens and has made no secret of his ambition to unseat his former ally.
But Ruto’s critics say he is hardly in a position to lecture others. As Deputy President under Uhuru Kenyatta, Ruto began his own presidential campaign years before the 2022 polls often drawing sharp criticism for ignoring government duties in favor of political tours.
“He’s trying to shut the door after walking through it,” said a political analyst who requested anonymity to speak freely. “Ruto set the precedent for early campaigns. Now he doesn’t want the same tools used against him.”
Gachagua, for his part, is tapping into rising frustration over the economy. Many Kenyans say the President has failed to deliver on his 2022 promises especially on cost of living and job creation.
“The government is not listening,” said 34-year-old market trader Eunice Wanjiku in Nakuru. “People are struggling, and all we see is leaders fighting each other.”
In recent months, Ruto has softened his stance towards political opponents, including forming a working relationship with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. He has described the arrangement as a move towards national unity not a political marriage.
“We won’t be drawn into divisive politics,” the President said. “We believe in a Kenya where everyone has a seat at the table not just those shouting the loudest.”
Still, Gachagua’s one-term campaign has struck a nerve. And while Ruto appears publicly unfazed, behind the scenes, insiders say concern is growing within State House over the Deputy President’s increasingly bold rhetoric.
The coming months are likely to test the President’s grip on his coalition and his ability to keep the focus on governance rather than the looming 2027 race.
For now, Ruto insists his eyes are on the job.
“The time for campaigns will come,” he said. “But now is the time to work.”
Whether Kenyans believe him or whether they see a politician caught in his own contradictions may shape the next chapter of the country’s turbulent political story.
