Ruto dismisses accusations of early campaigning, intensifies attack on Gachagua

President William Ruto, who is currently on a tour of Western Kenya, has denied accusations alleging that he is engaging in early campaigns in anticipation of the 2027 polls, stating that he is on a mission to deliver development projects.

Ruto, who has been in the five counties of the Western region for four days addressing campaign-like rallies, says his critics are mistaken for accusing him of running an election campaign under the guise of development tours to woo the Western Kenya voting bloc. 

“Kuna wale wanasema tumeanza siasa. Wacheneni kuharakisha… siasa bado. Tukianza si mtakimbia,” said Ruto in Busia County on Thursday.

The head of state added that he was simply fulfilling the plans and promises made to his electorate.

“Hii kazi ya stima ni siasa ama mambo yenu? Mambo ya aggregation ni yenu ama ni siasa? Mambo bado. Mambo ni mbichi,” he said.

President Ruto also blasted Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka for expressing reservations over the payment of Ksh.150 million in bonuses to sugarcane farmers.

“Yule mtu wa katikati anauliza hiyo maswali. Kichwa yake ni nzuri kweli? Nataka kuambia huyo mtu wa watermelon, penye bonus ya majani chai ndiyo bonus ya miwa inatoka,” he said.

“Ndugu yetu Kalonzo, why are you engaging in divisive politics? We want to put you on notice. Kalonzo Musyoka, if you continue telling lies against other people, we shall not be constrained to tell the truth about you,” added National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula.

President Ruto also sustained an onslaught against his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, criticizing him for preaching ethnic politics.

“Mnataka watu wakuje watuambie mambo ya shares na mitego. Ati hawa Wakenya hawafai kwa sababu ya shares… Hii Kenya si nchi ya shares, hii Kenya ni ya watu wote,” said Ruto.

President Ruto later launched several projects, including the last-mile electricity connectivity plan in Nambale, Busia County, and Msihivu in Bungoma County. He will continue his tour of the region on Friday.