Inside President Ruto loyalists’ plan to slay opposition ahead of 2027 polls

As Kenya barrels toward the 2027 general elections, President William Ruto’s inner circle is reportedly implementing a tactical campaign to weaken opposition forces before the official race begins. Sources say the strategy involves outreach to key opposition-dominated regions, attempts to split rival coalitions and deploy development programmes as electoral tools—all aimed at consolidating Ruto’s power base early and ensuring any challengers face an uphill battle.
The campaign blueprint includes targeting traditionally strong opposition areas such as Nyanza, Western and the Coast, where the opposition party Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) historically holds sway. Analysts note that by co-opting some opposition leaders into government posts and using selective development projects, Ruto’s team hopes to peel away support from the opposition’s heartlands.
Meanwhile, critics argue the aim is not merely to win votes but to pre-emptively erode the organisational strength and unity of the opposition, thereby reducing credible alternatives come election day. One opposition source observed: Ruto is trying to divide the opposition so that he may pass in between.
Reactions to this emerging campaign model have been mixed. Pro-Ruto supporters claim it is a savvy and necessary move given the fluidity of Kenya’s electoral map and the need for broad alliances. Opposition leaders, however, warn that the approach risks undermining democratic norms by shifting focus from policy contestation to strategic weakening of rivals. The concern is that if the opposition is fragmented or neutered early, Kenya’s 2027 poll could be more about managing outcomes rather than offering genuine choice to voters. Observers say the stakes are high: how both sides navigate the terrain now could determine not just the presidency in 2027, but the wider trajectory of Kenya’s democracy.