Ruto: Kalonzo should return the favor for YK92 support in 2027

Addressing supporters at a roadside rally on Monday, President Ruto called on the Wiper Party leader to return the favour of supporting his re-election like he supported his Parliamentary bid for Kitui North under Youth for KANU ’92 (YK92).

YK92 was a high-profile, youth-led political lobby group formed to campaign for President Daniel Moi and the Kenya African National Union (KANU) during the country's first multiparty general elections in 1992.

"Remind him that in 1992 I came here and campaigned for him under the KANU party and he won. Tell him to remember me next year. " If I ask him to return the favour in 2027, will I have done anything wrong?" he posed.

"Even Kthure Kindiki helped him in 2007 when he wanted to become president."

President Ruto has been on a charm offensive to rally supporters to back his re-election bid in the 2027 polls, launching a myriad of development projects across the nation while praising his administration for delivering on its ambitious development plan.

Meanwhile, Kalonzo, a member of the Ukombozi Alliance, has maintained a stiff campaign against President Ruto, vowing to oust him in the 2027 election.

He has scoffed at Mr Ruto's development tour, arguing that he is using the launch and relaunch of development projects as opportunities to criticise his political rivals, urging him to focus on the needs of ordinary citizens.

“Ruto ako Machakos na ata ameenda kunisifu na ametangaza kwamba yule mpinzani wake sugu ni Kalonzo Musyoka, yule mtu wa miaka arubaini. Lakini Ruto kumbuka for 40 years the Israelites were in the desert, and Kenyans have been in the desert because of poor governorship, theft of public funds and leaders enriching themselves with public funds,” he said during a thanksgiving service at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Tharaka-Nithi County on Saturday.

The United Opposition plans to join forces among top political leaders, including Kalonzo, Jubilee Party's Fred Matiangi, Martha Karua (PLP), Rigathi Gachagua (DCP), Edwin Sifuna (TEP), among others, to unseat President Ruto.