Kenya’s Campaign Mood Lingers: Political Realignments and Ruto’s Active Tours.
Kenya’s political landscape remains charged, even two and a half years after the Kenya Kwanza administration, led by President William Ruto, took office. The nation’s campaign mood refuses to subside, with early political alignments already taking shape for the 2027 elections. This continuous political activity has sparked intrigue and concern among Kenyans as the lines between governance and campaigning blur.
As 2027 approaches, President Ruto’s strategy has shifted, pulling in unlikely allies, including Opposition leader Raila Odinga. This unexpected collaboration has thrown the political scene into disarray, with allies and adversaries scrambling to adjust their strategies. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, feeling sidelined by Ruto’s broad-based government, is reportedly exploring alliances with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and discontented leaders from Western Kenya. These manoeuvres hint at a potential face-off between a Ruto-Raila partnership and a Gachagua-Kalonzo coalition, further complicating the political dynamics.
Kalonzo Musyoka, once a close ally of Raila, is now forging his path. He attends church services followed by political rallies, aiming to carve out a distinct identity as he distances himself from Raila, who has aligned with Ruto. This reshuffling of political allegiances underscores the fluidity of Kenya’s political scene, where alliances shift as leaders jockey for influence ahead of the next election.
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Despite holding the highest office, President Ruto continues to focus on grassroots politics. Rather than spending time in his office managing policy and legacy projects, he frequently travels to rural areas, engaging directly with citizens. These visits allow him to articulate his developmental agenda and seek public support, but they also disrupt daily life as Kenyans abandon their routines to attend these events.
Critics argue that Ruto’s dual role as President and de facto 2027 presidential candidate is consuming valuable time that could be better spent on governance. Political analyst Prof. Gitile Naituli suggests that Ruto should delegate the implementation of his policies to public servants, allowing him to concentrate on strategic oversight. Naituli contends that the ongoing premature campaigns, masked as development tours, are unnecessary distractions for an economy already burdened by debt.
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Since taking office, Ruto has been a constant presence in the political arena, either attending events or hosting rallies. This unrelenting campaign mode took a brief hiatus following Gen Z protests two months ago, which temporarily derailed his missions. However, once tensions eased, Ruto resumed his activities, starting with a visit to Nakuru on July 15, where he laid the foundation for the Keringet fresh produce market in Kuresoi South Constituency. This event, followed by a rally, marked his return to the political fray, where his rhetoric continues to resonate with his supporters.
Subsequent tours have taken him to Tharaka Nithi, the Coast, Mt. Kenya region, and Kisii. During these visits, Ruto re-launched development projects and defended his broad-based government. Despite the developmental focus, many view these tours as politically motivated, designed to gauge public sentiment and solidify his support base ahead of the next election.
Kenya remains in a perpetual campaign mode, with political alliances and strategies already shaping the landscape for 2027. President Ruto’s active engagement with rural communities, while keeping him connected with voters, raises questions about the balance between governance and campaigning. As the nation inches closer to the next election, the political manoeuvres and continuous rallies are likely to intensify, leaving Kenyans to navigate the blurred lines between leadership and electioneering.
Kenya’s Campaign Mood Lingers: Political Realignments and Ruto’s Active Tours.
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