Ruto Dismisses Opposition, Says His Only Real Rival Was Raila

President William Ruto has criticized opposition leaders, claiming they lack clear plans for the country ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking in Malava, Kakamega County, on Thursday, the president said the only person he would have considered a serious competitor was the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. He added that the other politicians do not pose a significant challenge.

Ruto expressed confidence in his track record, saying he expects to secure an early victory in the upcoming polls. He encouraged citizens to focus on development plans rather than slogans and political rhetoric. 

“My only worthy competitor would have been Raila. These others? They have no clear agenda. You cannot win a country with just slogans,” he said.

The president specifically criticized viral campaign phrases, saying they are not enough to win votes. 

He called for politicians to engage Kenyans with concrete policies, strategies, and development ideas, rather than relying on empty slogans.

During his visit, Ruto was joined by prominent leaders including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, Governor Barasa, CS Oparanya, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, MPs, and MCAs. 

The four-day tour across Western Kenya focused on inspecting development projects, launching new initiatives, and interacting with local communities.

In Butere, Ruto announced that the government had allocated Ksh.1 billion to complete the Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital. 

He stated that in less than ten months, the hospital would be fully equipped with modern medical devices worth Ksh.500 million, reducing the need for residents to travel to Eldoret for specialized care.

Ruto also approved the construction of a Kenya Medical Training College campus in Butere, urging local leaders to oversee the project while offering his full support in case of challenges.