Kindiki: Ruto needs no IEBC favours to re-clinch seat in 2027

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has expressed confidence in President William Ruto’s reelection, asserting the head of state requires no undue advantages from the IEBC to secure victory in the 2027 polls.

He emphasised that the Kenya Kwanza administration’s development record will be its strongest campaign tool, hence, it does not need any external electoral favours.

In Kiambaa, Kiambu county, Kindiki on Sunday said the government was keen on delivering projects, asking its supporters, and Kenyans at large to consider reelecting Ruto.

For the regime, the 2027 election will be a referendum on development versus “tribal politics” and personal ambition.

Ruto’s opponents led by his estranged and impeached deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, have been rallying citizens to send the current administration home in 2027.

The united opposition, including Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka and former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, says the government has failed its pledges.

Their campaign slogan ‘One Term’ has prompted the government to respond that it is not yet time for politics and to cite Ruto’s achievements thus far, such as the Affordable Housing and job creation.  

The core of the strategy now is positioning Deputy President Kindiki to effectively run the political show as Ruto focuses on state duties.

The DP has been on tours detailing tangible projects the government has delivered, reinforcing Kenya Kwanza’s reelection pitch and showing that promises have been met.

To demonstrate-country appeal, the DP’s overtures have spanned the Coast, Ukambani, the Maasai and Kuria regions within a month, fortified by a battery of 40 to 60 MPs from the diverse regions.

Kenya Kwanza appears to be betting on a ground game of tangible projects to secure a second term.

The allies cite roads, electricity projects, water connectivity, industrial zones and other developments around the country, thanks to efforts of Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza team.

On the list are thousands of households connected to electricity under the Last Mile electrification plan, modern markets to dignify ‘mama mboga’, universal healthcare under the Social Health Authority and affordable housing.

The government says the projects exemplify its commitment to “two terms of absolute development”.

Yesterday, Kindiki said the 25 million citizens who have already registered for SHA demonstrate the buy-in on the new health cover project.

“This is why we are asking for two terms in office, after which all Kenyans will be able to afford healthcare,” he said, fighting misinformation about the programme’s efficacy.

Ruto’s administration is also positioning the Affordable Housing initiative as its other flagship project, citing its job creation and potential to create more employment, not just in construction but in services and businesses catering for the new tenants.

For the government, President Ruto is a transformative leader delivering his agenda despite economic headwinds.

“We are focused on working. We are not bothered. The time for politics is coming and when campaigns come, we will deal with it,” Kindiki said.

“For now, we want to deliver projects. When campaign time comes, let us see everyone’s record since they have also led,” he said.

The DP asked the competition to consider that elections are not a violent contest, saying, “Whoever is elected counts, whoever loses, should wait.”

On the IEBC, the Deputy President dismissed claims the ruling coalition seeks to manipulate the electoral process.

“We do not want to be favoured because we are focused and working hard serving the people, and they will vote us back,” he said.

Kindiki urged political actors to respect the commission’s autonomy, warning that those already questioning its credibility have “sensed defeat”.

“Attack the IEBC if you must, but 2027 will be decided by wananchi, not by favours,” Kindiki emphasised, leaving no doubt that the battle lines are drawn.

While acknowledging public discontent over living costs, the DP framed the next election as a choice between continuity and chaos.

Recently, President Ruto cautioned his detractors against using “shortcuts to power”, saying such moves could destabilise the nation.

The IEBC is under pressure to deliver a credible 2027 election and has sustained allegations of partiality by opposition teams and action groups.

The opposition figures have been scrutinising the neutrality of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

The recent IEBC appointments, which by law are made under President Ruto’s administration, have been a subject of political controversy.