President Ruto: 2027 elections will be free and peaceful

According to the Head of State, who intends to seek re-election, asserted that his government will uphold respect for the rule of law and will not relent in clamping down on individuals endorsing violence and lawlessness. 

"I assure you it will be a free and peaceful election. We cannot allow anyone to endanger the lives of Kenyans. It is the right of every Kenyan to vote who they want," he said while hosting village elders in State House on Tuesday. 

"Threats and attempts to use tribalism to divide citizens will not be allowed in this country and help us to ensure that we all live under the rule of law."

President Ruto maintained that his government's ambition is anchored on building not only a democratic nation, but also a wealthy one empowered by opportunities.

He said that even in his ambitious National Development Charter, Kenya's next long-term development blueprint for Vision 2060, will maintain momentum as he eyes to extend his tenure past 2027.

"There is what we will do during this term and there is what we will hopefully do in the next term," he said.

"Development must give every Kenyan a chance. Our political progress must be matched by economic opportunity, social dignity, and steadily improving living standards."

President Ruto has maintained that the charter is people-driven and citizen-centred, with the intention of engaging Kenyans to participate in deliberations on its implementation. 

"This national conversation cannot remain in conference halls or Government offices. It must reach every county, every ward, every village, and every household. You, our village elders, must help lead it," he said.

"This conversation is about giving practical meaning to the promise of Article 43 of our Constitution: Healthcare for every family; adequate housing and sanitation; freedom from hunger; clean and safe water; social security; and education for every child."

He urged the village elders to play a part in achieving his ambition as he recognised the onboarding of more than 106,000 village elders across the 47 counties into the National Government Administration system.

His sentiments come amid national pushback as Kenyans grapple with a soaring cost of living, and his government has remained under sharp scrutiny over incompetent leadership and corruption.