President Ruto: I feared no defeat against Raila in 2022

Title: Ruto Says He Feared No Defeat Against Raila in 2022
Nairobi — In a revealing statement made during the funeral of the late Raila Odinga at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, President William Ruto declared he was unafraid of losing the 2022 presidency to the former Prime Minister. According to Ruto, his calmness during the election surprised many of his own supporters who expected him to be more anxious about the outcome. It did not matter who won — either Raila or his student, William Ruto, he said, framing their contest as that between a mentor and his protégé.
Ruto traced his political journey back to his early collaboration with Odinga, highlighting their shared vision when both were part of the reform movement anchored in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The two once aligned around issues such as devolution, governance reform and constitutional change. We had similar visions for this country — healthcare, housing, agriculture, education, Ruto remarked.
He suggested that because of this shared outlook, he viewed even a loss to Odinga as a vindication, given the ideological alignment. The 2022 election subsequently marked a turning point in their relationship, even as politics realigned around new alliances.
The statement has stirred interest across Kenya’s political landscape. Analysts note that by portraying his contest with Odinga in such philosophical terms, Ruto may be trying to reshape his legacy and the narrative around his win. For supporters of Odinga and his camp, the remarks may come across as both conciliatory and provocative — acknowledging past collaboration while underlining his own ascendancy. The broader public reception is mixed: for some, the tone reflects humility and respect for a political elder; for others, it appears as a reminder that the 2022 contest has never really been ‘just another election’. The comments may also ripple into sentiment ahead of the 2027 general elections, where political alignments and loyalties are again under scrutiny.
Going forward, the implications of Ruto’s remarks will likely be tested in the run-up to 2027. Will this framing of the 2022 election foster reconciliation and move the national conversation beyond personality politics, or will it bolster factional tensions by reigniting old rivalries? With Kenya’s youth increasingly active and digitally connected, how the electorate interprets such statements could affect future alliance building, voter mobilisation and the overall tone of Kenyan democracy.