President William Ruto addressing a rally at the Maraba centre , Tinderet, Nandi County, October 12 /PCSPresident William Ruto has dismissed the opposition as a passing cloud that poses no real threat to his re-election bid, describing its criticism of his administration as being driven by “raw jealousy”.
Speaking in Nandi county on the third day of his 11-day development tour of the North Rift, Ruto said the United Opposition stood no chance against him in the 2027 general election if all it had to offer was slogans.
“I'm ready to stand before Kenyans and show them the work I have done so that they can give me another chance to work. Those others, look for something to do. Too much noise and calling me names will not help you,” Ruto said.
The President is facing an opposition that has vowed to unite and field a single candidate to challenge him at the ballot on August 10, 2027.
However, the faction is facing growing criticism as leaders struggle to agree on a single opposition flagbearer, with fears that supremacy battles could trigger a major fallout ahead of the 2027 contest.
Leading opposition figures harbour individual presidential ambitions, creating mistrust and competition within the camp.
Critics also argue that the opposition relies heavily on anti-government rhetoric and complaints rather than presenting a structured, compelling alternative on economic and governance issues.
Political commentators have noted that Ruto has sought to exploit these divisions through development projects and political outreach, leaving the opposition vulnerable to defections and internal splits.
Addressing residents of Tinderet town, Ruto said the opposition lacked ideas and practical solutions to the very issues it accused his administration of failing to address.
“The biggest thing they have done is come up with slogans like Kasongo and to sing to me 'one term' and 'Kasongo Must Go'. Wale watu watakipata [Those people will face the consequences],” he said.
The President challenged opposition leaders to present policies addressing the real issues facing Kenyans, warning that they would struggle to compete against him if they failed to offer credible alternatives.
“All they are selling us is raw jealousy,” Ruto said, adding that the opposition was troubled by interventions his administration had introduced to ease economic pressure on Kenyans.
He cited the fertiliser subsidy programme, affordable housing projects, road network expansion, rural electrification and universal health coverage, saying 33 million Kenyans had so far been registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
“That is the genesis of their annoyance. That is where their jealousy begins but I want to tell them your jealousy not withstanding, Kenya is going to move forward in unity.”
Ruto’s North Rift development tour, which began in Endebess, Trans Nzoia county, on Saturday, October 10, will take him across six counties: Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot and Baringo.
The tour will culminate in the Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20 at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, where the President will preside over the national event.
