'Mtu ningeshindana na yeye ni Raila': Ruto slams opposition, vows to win 2027 election

Speaking in Malava, Kakamega County on Thursday, the president remarked that his only worthy competitor was the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, adding that the remaining contenders do not pose a significant challenge. 

Exuding confidence in his track record, Ruto stated that he expects to secure an early victory in the upcoming polls.

"Nataka kuuliza watu wa ukabila, chuki na kisirani.. waambie watu wa Kakamega wasikuje tu kuongea.. watuambie mipango yao ni gani," he noted. 

"Ati wale watu nashindana nao ni wale? Yani mtu ningeshindana na yeye ni Raila lakini hawa. Nitawamalizia asubuhi na mapema. Ni kweli ama si kweli? Ni kwa sababu hawana mpango."

He noted that viral slogans such as Wantam and Kasongo would not be enough to secure victory at the ballot, emphasizing that engaging Kenyans on matters of development would be a more effective approach.

"One term, Kasongo, itabadilisha dunia? Si hiyo ni ujinga? Hawa jamaa hawana mpango, sera, agenda, ata akili hawana," he noted.

Ruto was flanked by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, Governor Barasa, CS Oparanya, Central Organisation of Trade Unions Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, MPs and MCAs, among others.

On Thursday, the president embarked on a four-day visit to Western Kenya counties to launch road construction, open a hospital and inspect other development projects in the region. 

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

"In less than 10 months, we will have completed and equipped the referral hospital with modern equipment worth Ksh.500 million," he said.

"You will no longer be required to travel to Eldoret to access referral medical services at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. You'll get the same services here," he added. 

Ruto also gave the green light for the construction of the Kenya Medical Training College campus in Butere.

"MP Dindi Mwale, you now have the authority to build the college. Go ahead, and if you get stuck along the way, I am always here to help," he said.

Before his demise, the late Raila had formed a working arrangement with President Ruto under the broad-based alliance. 

Once bitter rivals, the duo rekindled a handshake of sorts, paving the way for ODM allies to serve in President Ruto’s Cabinet.