Ruto urges Kenyan leaders to ditch ethnic politics ahead of 2027 polls
President William Ruto has called on Kenyan politicians to shift focus from ethnic divisions to development ahead of the 2027 General Election. Speaking at a recent event, he stressed that national unity and clear policy agendas—not tribal loyalties—should shape the country's future.
The remarks came as ODM party leader Oburu Oginga reaffirmed his party's commitment to the broad-based government agreement with Ruto's UDA, despite internal dissent and calls for withdrawal.
Ruto criticised divisive politics, arguing that ethnic tensions hinder Kenya's progress. He urged leaders to present concrete plans for voters rather than rely on tribal mobilisation. The President also dismissed claims that the 10-Point Agenda between UDA and ODM had stalled, confirming that a team was actively overseeing its rollout.
At the same event, Oburu Oginga signalled ODM's openness to further negotiations with UDA before the 2027 polls. He rejected demands from within the party to abandon the broad-based government, emphasising cooperation over confrontation. However, Siaya Governor James Orengo, a prominent ODM figure, boycotted the gathering in protest over the arrest of his staff ahead of Ruto's visit. The President praised ODM and its late leader, Raila Odinga, for their role in the current government. He reiterated that Kenya's governance must include all communities, ensuring no group is sidelined. Development records, he insisted, will determine the outcome of the next election—not ethnic affiliations.
Ruto's call for issue-based politics sets the tone for the 2027 campaign. The ODM-UDA partnership remains intact, though internal divisions persist. With negotiations ongoing, the focus now shifts to how both parties will deliver on their shared agenda before the vote.
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