Tiaty MP William Kamket has ignited fresh concerns about electoral integrity after making controversial statements about President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid during a traditional ceremony on Saturday.
Speaking at a dowry ceremony for the children of Immigration Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang and businessman David Langat, Kamket declared his unwavering commitment to securing Ruto’s victory alongside Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi.
“Oscar and I say harsh things. He says if the ballot box does not fill up, we will add. I say it in another way, but we say the same thing. If the votes are not enough, we will ensure that they are enough, whatever comes may,” Kamket stated boldly.
The remarks drew immediate attention when Sudi took the microphone to clarify their position, emphasizing their goal was to fill ballot boxes “with votes, nothing else.”
However, the damage to public perception appeared already done, with the statements echoing similar controversial comments made recently by other Kenya Kwanza allies.
Kamket’s declaration comes just days after Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Jehow sparked outrage by claiming they would “steal votes” in 2027 to guarantee Ruto’s second term.
Her statement prompted swift condemnation from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, which termed such remarks “reckless and unacceptable.”
The IEBC reassured Kenyans of its commitment to conducting transparent elections, stating that “statements suggesting election malpractice undermine the credibility of our democratic institutions.”
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also warned political leaders against making careless statements that could erode public trust in electoral processes.
These incidents have reignited debates about the integrity of Kenya’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general election, with critics questioning whether such statements represent genuine intentions or mere political rhetoric designed to energize supporters.
The controversial remarks underscore growing tensions surrounding the upcoming polls and highlight the delicate balance between political campaigning and maintaining public confidence in the electoral system.
Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has publicly committed Coast region leaders to supporting President William Ruto’s administration until 2032, marking what he describes as an unprecedented level of unity among coastal political figures.
Speaking during a Tuesday meeting at State House Nairobi, where Ruto hosted leaders from six coastal counties, Joho emphasized that regional representatives would execute their assigned duties with “integrity and honesty” while working to improve constituents’ lives.
“We will do the work you have given us to better the lives and unite the people so that we all can prosper,” Joho declared. “We will continue to unite our leaders so that we can move forward from now until 2027 and 2032 going forward. That is the commitment we have made.”
The Cabinet Secretary characterized the current political alignment as historic, noting that Coast leaders have traditionally been divided but are now “solidly united” under Ruto’s leadership. According to Joho, previous administrations saw coastal politicians split into conflicting factions, but the current crop of leaders focuses solely on issues affecting their constituents.
“Your Excellency, the leaders you see here, it is the first time they have united solidly, it has never been like this,” Joho told the President. “There have always been two conflicting sides, and I feel very encouraged because they are issue-driven. When they sit, they discuss issues that affect the people they lead.”
The State House meeting brought together Cabinet Secretaries and elected officials from across the coastal counties of Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, and Taita Taveta.
President Ruto addressing the coastal region at State House Nairobi.
Joho’s declaration extends support beyond Ruto’s current term, which runs through 2027, suggesting backing for a potential second term that would conclude in 2032. The statement comes as political realignments continue to reshape Kenya’s political landscape, with traditional opposition strongholds like the Coast showing increased cooperation with the current administration.
The Mining CS dismissed critics of the regional unity, stating bluntly: “Those who do not want it, it’s up to them, for us we want development.”
This public pledge of extended loyalty represents a significant political development for the Coast region, historically considered an opposition stronghold, and could influence electoral dynamics in upcoming political cycles.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is planning a bold revenge move that could reshape the 2027 presidential race in a dramatic twist that mirrors Kenya’s last political upheaval.
Gachagua wants to use President William Ruto’s own playbook — breaking away to form a new party, rallying discontented Mount Kenya allies, and chipping away at UDA’s base. The strategy is daring.
It’s audacious. But it might also be doomed. While it worked for Ruto in 2022, the political climate and ground dynamics have drastically shifted. Gachagua may be trying to play chess, but Ruto already owns the board.
Gachagua is leaning heavily on the idea that Mt. Kenya’s discontent can carry him to power. But he may be overestimating the region’s ability to crown presidents on its own. [Photo: Courtesy]
Gachagua’s New Party Strategy Could Crumble Without National Support
Gachagua is betting on a risky political gamble: replicate what Ruto did to Uhuru Kenyatta and turn it against the very man who perfected it.
In the run-up to the 2022 elections, William Ruto formed the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) while still technically serving as Jubilee Party’s deputy leader under President Uhuru.
From the shadows, Ruto built a new party infrastructure, rallied elected leaders, and secured massive loyalty across Mt. Kenya and the Rift Valley. He pulled off the impossible — dethroning the incumbent system while still within it.
Fast-forward to 2025, and Gachagua is attempting the same script. By May 15, he’s expected to unveil his own party — a move that has already attracted a few UDA MPs frustrated by internal feuds. But the question looms large: does Gachagua have what it takes to win the war he’s starting?
The difference lies in the ground game. In 2022, Ruto already commanded loyalty in Mt. Kenya and Rift Valley before formally breaking off. Gachagua, meanwhile, enters the ring after being impeached — a stain that weakens his legitimacy. Worse, he’s trying to unseat a sitting president who knows the tactics inside out.
Then there’s Raila Odinga. In 2022, he was Ruto’s main opponent. Now, he’s a powerful ally, giving Ruto national breadth from Nyanza to Coast, Nairobi to Western. Gachagua, on the other hand, lacks a clear path to national appeal. His influence beyond the central region is shaky at best.
Mount Kenya Alone Can’t Win the War
Gachagua is leaning heavily on the idea that Mt. Kenya’s discontent can carry him to power. But he may be overestimating the region’s ability to crown presidents on its own.
Yes, Mt. Kenya remains a vote-rich bloc. But it is also fractured. Internal divisions, business rivalries, and shifting youth sentiments make it less predictable than in previous cycles. Besides, many local leaders still see value in staying close to State House, especially when the political perks are flowing.
In contrast, Ruto has remained steady in Rift Valley and now enjoys goodwill from key opposition regions thanks to his handshake with Raila. Coast, Nyanza, Turkana, Pokot, Western — all these regions are slipping further from Gachagua’s reach. Without broad-based appeal, Gachagua risks being seen as a tribal candidate — a dangerous tag in today’s Kenya.
And while Gachagua might think Ruto’s impeachment of him in 2024 created sympathy, many voters see it differently. Some view it as evidence of chaos and poor leadership on Gachagua’s part. Others see Ruto as simply taking control before things fell apart, much like Uhuru did in his second term.
Giving Ruto a Taste of His Own Medicine May Not Work
Political scientist John Okumu says it best: “President Ruto thought he was smarter than his former boss. But now, he’s getting a dose of his own strategy.” Still, Ruto is no political novice. He’s been through fire — from the ICC, to the Uhuru betrayal, to Raila’s handshake politics. Unlike Gachagua, he has survived and thrived.
Gachagua’s mistake might be underestimating Ruto’s strategic brain. The president is already rebranding his alliances and securing new power bases ahead of 2027. By bringing in Raila, he’s not just borrowing support — he’s diffusing tribal politics and portraying himself as a national unifier.
Meanwhile, Gachagua’s new party strategy risks painting him as a disgruntled ex-loyalist with no clear agenda beyond revenge. It also gives Ruto the upper hand to frame him as a betrayer — the same narrative Ruto used successfully against Uhuru.
Political karma may indeed be at play, but Kenya’s voters are sharper now. They want solutions, not recycled drama. And they are unlikely to ditch a sitting president who still commands large chunks of the vote for a deputy who fell out barely a year into office.
Final Word
Gachagua is bold, but boldness isn’t strategy. His attempt to turn Ruto’s own tactics against him may generate short-term noise, but without national support and a compelling alternative agenda, it’s unlikely to produce a win. In politics, repeating history doesn’t always mean repeating success.
If Gachagua wants to be more than just a footnote in 2027, he may need to go back to the drawing board — because playing Ruto’s game, on Ruto’s terms, may just be political suicide.
