President Ruto and his deputy,Kithure Kindiki have kept a low profile following their much-publicized five-day tour across the Mt. Kenya region.
The visit which aimed at consolidating the ruling party’s position and appeal to the electorate ahead of the 2027 elections, was met with lukewarm reactions, raising concerns among both political analysts and the general public. Despite the efforts by the United Democratic Alliance camp to woo citizens, many believe that the tour failed to deliver tangible outcomes, leading to broader questions about the administration’s effectiveness.
According to political observers, the visit appears to have made little impact in addressing the growing discontent among Kenyans, with various factors—ranging from recent cabinet reshuffles to controversial impeachments—putting President Ruto and his allies on the back foot. As the 2027 general elections loom, the political landscape seems to be shifting, with the opposition intensifying its rhetoric and Ruto’s promises facing mounting scrutiny.
The tour which saw the President and his deputy engage with various communities and local leaders, was seen as an attempt to shore up support. However, many have been left questioning the success of the tour. According to Martin Andati, a seasoned political analyst, “While the tour was designed to rally support for the government, it has failed to make the kind of impact the UDA camp had hoped for. The messages felt repetitive and disconnected from the real issues Kenyans are grappling with—high cost of living, unemployment, and corruption.”
Andati’s observation is echoed by others who believe that the tour did little to address the fundamental challenges facing the country. The UDA’s campaign-style rhetoric, which emphasized the government’s achievements, was met with skepticism in the votes-rich region.
In a country where inflation is high and the cost of living is rising, citizens seemed more concerned with immediate solutions than with the long-term promises made by the administration.
Macharia Munene, a political expert,believes that the lack of meaningful engagement during the tour is a reflection of deeper issues within the government.
“There is a sense that President Ruto is focusing more on his personal political future than on resolving the challenges that his government was elected to fix,” Munene noted.
“The political elite, including his deputy, have become increasingly isolated from the reality of ordinary Kenyans, and this is beginning to show in their interactions.”
The recent cabinet reshuffles have further compounded the government’s difficulties. These reshuffles, intended to tighten control over key sectors of government, have instead sparked criticism and allegations of political maneuvering. Critics argue that the reshuffles are more about positioning for the 2027 elections than addressing pressing national concerns.
One of the most contentious issues within the government has been the wave of impeachments targeting key figures in Ruto’s administration. Recently, a number of high-profile officials have faced impeachment motions, signaling a growing political divide within the government. The most notable case being that of the embattled former Education Cabinet Secretary, Ezekiel Machogu, whose tenure was marred by criticism over education reforms. Machogu’s ouster despite his political affiliation with Ruto, has created a rift within the UDA camp, with some alleging that it reflects a deeper disconnect within the government.
“The impeachment and firings have left a bitter taste in the mouths of many,” Andati explains. “The way certain ministers have been handled shows a lack of cohesion within the government. This is weakening Ruto’s position as he attempts to consolidate power ahead of the next elections.”
Critics argue that these political infighting and internal rifts are diverting attention away from the issues that matter to the public.
“The public cares less about who stays or goes in government and more about how the government is addressing the issues that affect their daily lives,” Munene states. “There is a growing sense that Ruto and his administration are failing to meet these expectations.”
Despite the internal challenges, President Ruto has remained publicly optimistic about his chances in the upcoming elections. In a statement released shortly after the tour, Ruto declared that his administration’s achievements would speak for themselves by 2027.
“I am confident that the work we are doing now will deliver results that the Kenyan people will appreciate in the long term,” he stated. “We will not be distracted by the noise from the opposition or internal challenges. We are focused on delivering for Kenyans.”
However, the optimism expressed by Ruto stands in stark contrast to the growing concerns about his administration’s ability to deliver on its promises. Political analysts suggest that while the President’s positive outlook may resonate with some of his supporters, it does not address the growing frustrations among many Kenyans who feel disconnected from the government’s priorities.
While Ruto’s supporters remain steadfast, the opposition has intensified its critique of the government. Led by figures like former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua the opposition has capitalized on the administration’s internal strife and poor tour reception to increase its influence ahead of the 2027 polls.
The opposition continues to highlight the rising cost of living, the government’s inability to tackle corruption, and the handling of key national projects as signs of leadership failure.
“Ruto’s government is losing touch with the reality of the Kenyan people,” Gachagua remarked at a recent rally. “While the President may have enjoyed his tour, it is clear that his administration is failing to address the issues that truly matter to Kenyans. We are committed to offering an alternative that will put the interests of the people first.”
The opposition’s growing influence is not the only threat Ruto faces. As the UDA’s support base is beginning to show signs of strain, there are indications that his allies in key regions are reassessing their positions. Local leaders, once loyal to the President, are increasingly weighing their options and considering aligning themselves with other political formations.
A tenuous path to 2027
With just over two years left until the next general election, President Ruto and his team face a difficult road ahead. The internal divisions, recent reshuffles, and impeachments have weakened their political capital, while the opposition is becoming more vocal and unified. The President’s efforts to secure a win in 2027 will likely be shaped by his ability to navigate these challenges while maintaining a connection to the Kenyan people.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether Ruto and his deputy can overcome the mounting political pressure. While the 2027 elections are still far off, the struggles of the current administration suggest that the road to re-election will be far from smooth.
