2027 politics: Raila, allies hint at backing Ruto re-election

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's allies are increasingly gravitating towards President William Ruto signalling a possible endorsement for a second-term.

The leaders consisting of seasoned politicians closely aligned with opposition chief intensified public praise for Ruto, who is in Nyanza region for development tour and Madaraka Day celebrations.

Governor Gladys Wanga and a host of local MPs assured the President of support while highlighting the various development milestones the region has achieved since the birth of broad-based government.

“The transformation of this country will be televised and those who have eyes will see it, for 60 years, we have never hosted a national celebration in Homa Bay,” Wanga said.

The leaders fend off internal dissent and shore up support for the President fuelling speculation a new campaign under his leadership is imminent.

“We appreciate you coming together, we are not conmen, we are not liars. What we say we mean it. If we say we are supporting you and Raila, we mean it,” Wanga told the President.

“There is nothing wrong if we say kazi bila break (work without break).” 

Kazi Bila Break is mantra pushed by pro-Ruto forces denoting second-term for the President whose first term ends in 2027.  

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma praised Ruto’s administration for transforming the county that he said has lagged behind due to years of neglect.

The third-term lawmaker termed the decision to hold Madaraka celebrations in Homa Bay a great honour that confirms Ruto’s commitment to the region.

“It was in February last year you came with the President and we asked for national holiday. I want to thank you President that this year we host a national holiday. You have implemented very many projects and we thank you,” Kaluma said.

The vocal lawmaker declared the region remains firmly in the broad-based government and will only take political directions from the two titans—Raila and Ruto—in 2027.

“We are following the direction of Baba [Raila] and the President, now we are firmly in broad based government,” he said.

Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo said the region will rally behind the President on account of the many projects accomplished in the region.

She dismissed those accusing Ruto of non-performance explaining the region has a different story.

“We hear a lot of stories out there; people are saying how you are not working. However, here in Homa Bay we are seeing a huge difference," the legislator saod

The National Assembly’s Minority Whip said the region is firmly behind the President and will speak loud at the ballot.

“Like I told you yesterday, focus and work. Kazi bila break. We are behind you,” MP Odhiambo said.

Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Bensouda praised the President for making good his development promises to the region.

“You said and delivered, now we are in Canaan eating milk and honey,” she said.

The leaders were speaking during the launch of the Homa Bay Pier, one of the projects the President has accomplished in the area, in the presence of ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Raila said he is very much aware of what he is doing with his partnership with the President even as he called on the area to back Ruto’s development initiative.

“We know where we are going,” he said.

Apart from the pier, Ruto also unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the country’s blue economy, citing the untapped potential of the Indian Ocean and the country’s inland water bodies.

Speaking during the official closing of the Blue Economy Conference in Homa Bay, Ruto announced that the government will allocate Sh1.2 billion to acquire between 15 and 20 deep-sea fishing vessels.

This move, he said, is aimed at accelerating Kenya’s entry into the global deep-sea fishing industry and unlocking economic opportunities along the coast.

“We want to play at the next level,” Ruto said.

The current contribution of the blue economy, he disclosed, stands at Sh30 to Sh40 billion annually.

According to the head of state, the country has the potential to grow this to Sh500 billion per year with the right investments and strategic direction.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga signed a working agreement in March at KICC, which restricted their cooperation around 10 thematic areas. However, there has been a sustained push for a post-2027 deal with allies of the two leaders leading the charge.