Ruto hints at possible collaboration with Raila come 2027 elections

President William Ruto has hinted at the possibility of collaborating with opposition leader Raila Odinga in the upcoming 2027 General Election.

During a town hall meeting with Kisumu County residents the president however emphasized that the focus is on the long-term future of Kenya rather than the political dynamics of the next election.

Dr Ruto stressed his commitment to the country’s development, warning against the pitfalls of short-term political alliances.

On Thursday, Dr Ruto participated in a town hall meeting with Kisumu County residents, a platform where he openly responded to questions from the public.

Among the various issues raised, one of the most pressing was the potential for collaboration between him and Mr Odinga in the 2027 General Election.

In response, President Ruto made it clear that his primary concern is the future of Kenya and the well-being of the next generation, rather than the immediate political maneuvers leading up to the 2027 elections. 

“I want to tell Catherine, I am more concerned about what is happening or what will happen to our next generation. 2027 will sort itself out,” Dr Ruto stated, emphasizing that the focus should be on making decisions that benefit Kenya in the long run.

The head of state criticized the tendency among politicians to focus solely on winning the next election, warning that “this mindset often leads to poor decision-making and hampers the country’s progress”. 

“We must be bold enough to make the right decisions because sometimes the right decisions are not very popular,” he remarked, indicating his belief that effective leadership requires prioritizing the nation’s long-term interests over short-term political gains.

Reflecting on his leadership approach, President Ruto highlighted the importance of making decisions that may not be immediately popular but are necessary for Kenya’s progress.

He warned that an obsession with political popularity can lead to leaders making convenient choices rather than transformative ones, which ultimately undermines the country’s development.

Dr Ruto also pointed to his recent efforts to form a broad-based government as evidence of his commitment to inclusive governance.

He noted that his decision to include members from the opposition in his Cabinet was driven by the need to create a more comprehensive political base to tackle Kenya’s challenges effectively.

This, he argued, is essential for making the “critical decisions that will change Kenya.”

“It is important that we sacrifice some space for us to have a broader foundation for us to be able to do the heavy lifting that will make Kenya progress,” he explained. 

He stressed that his administration is focused on laying a stable foundation that will enable the country to undertake the necessary heavy lifting to achieve substantial progress.

While President Ruto did not directly commit to a future alliance with Mr Odinga, he left the door open for such possibilities, suggesting that the 2027 elections will “sort itself out.”

He urged Kenyans to “just watch this space,” indicating that his administration would continue prioritizing the nation’s long-term interests over short-term political considerations.

The town hall meeting in Kisumu was part of President Ruto’s ongoing efforts to engage with Kenyan citizens directly.

These interactions allow him to address their concerns and questions, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining an open dialogue with the public.

Dr Ruto’s remarks come at a time of intense political speculation and debate surrounding potential alliances ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

His focus on long-term development and inclusive governance underscores his administration’s strategy of prioritizing Kenya’s future over immediate political victories.

While President William Ruto did not provide a definitive answer regarding a potential collaboration with Mr Odinga in the next elections, his statements made it clear that his focus remains on Kenya’s long-term development.

By emphasizing the importance of making tough decisions now for the benefit of future generations, Dr Ruto sought to reassure Kenyans that his administration is committed to guiding the country toward a prosperous future, regardless of the political dynamics that may unfold in the coming years.