The strategy of Opposition leaders to coalesce around one candidate to stop President William Ruto’s reelection juggernaut has made him lay fresh ways of seeking to win another term in office.
Ruto and his allies have increasingly changed into fronting development initiatives the Head of State has initiated or completed, instead of the name-calling type of politics that characterised the political landscape previously.
The presidency has briefed leaders backing Ruto to strictly face criticism of Opposition leaders by fronting out what the government is doing to change the lives of Kenyans.
The president on Sunday led his loyalists in urging Kenyans to reject leaders whose only claim to power is ethnic mobilisation.
Ruto has urged Kenyans to reject tribal politics and support leaders based on their development record, saying national unity remains the key pillar of Kenya’s economic transformation.
Speaking during a church service at Full Gospel Church Gatunduri in Manyatta Constituency on Sunday, July 5, 2026, the president declared that his administration would not tolerate leaders who seek to divide the country along ethnic lines.
“I will not allow tribal politics to thrive in Kenya. No one will be allowed to divide Kenyans on a tribal basis,” President Ruto said, describing politicians who promote tribalism as enemies of development.
He added that Kenyans should ignore leaders who rely on divisive rhetoric, insisting that voters will ultimately reward performance rather than political noise.
The President also dismissed claims that any individual delivered the Mt Kenya vote to him in the 2022 General Election.
He reminded residents that he personally campaigned across the region, visited churches and appealed directly to wananchi for their support.
“I came here and asked you to vote for me, and you did. No one should claim they were solely responsible for your decision,” he told the congregation.
Ruto used the occasion to highlight the achievements of his administration over the last three and a half years, saying the government has invested heavily in education, healthcare, agriculture, housing and infrastructure.
He said the government has recruited 100,000 teachers, built 23,000 classrooms for junior and senior schools, and reformed higher education funding.
He noted that the education sector has received a record allocation of Sh784 billion in the current financial year, describing education as the country’s greatest equaliser. On healthcare, the President said more than Sh31 million Kenyans have registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) since its rollout in October 2024.
He commended Cecily Mbarire for leading a successful registration campaign, noting that Embu is among the top five counties nationally, with 72 per cent of residents enrolled.
He added that hospitals in the county have received Ksh2.5 billion for services offered under SHA. The president further announced that government funding for essential medicines in public hospitals has increased from Sh13 billion to Sh19 billion in the 2026/27 financial year.
Kenya Kwanza leaders last week on Friday defended Ruto's administration, saying it focused on delivering development and arguing that Kenyans are already benefiting from and appreciating its achievements.
Speaking during a series of political rallies in Vihiga, Uasin Gishu and the Ukambani region, the leaders urged Kenyans to dismiss opposition criticism and rally behind President Ruto's bid for a second term in office.
"Tunaelekea Singapore, Singapore ni maendeleo..." said Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula.
In Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, the politics of "Tutam" gathered momentum with leaders insisting the administration's development projects and economic gains are evident and speak for themselves.
"Sisi watu wa Pwani tumeamua ni William Ruto kwa sababu ya maendeleo,” Likoni MP Mishi Mboko said.
In Makueni County, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku continued the Kenya Kwanza campaign trail, telling residents that the Ukambani region stands to benefit from sustained development under President Ruto's leadership.
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