President William Ruto will secure more than 10 million votes in the 2027 General Election, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has predicted, citing the combined support previously commanded by Ruto and former opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Mudavadi said the political arrangement between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) under the broad-based government had created a strong national political force capable of delivering Ruto victory in the next election.
Speaking in Kathwana, Tharaka Nithi County, on Friday during the opening of the new county headquarters complex, Mudavadi said the voting patterns of the 2022 election provided an indication of what could happen in 2027.
“In 2022, Ruto and Raila commanded a combined 14 million-plus vote basket. Assuming the opponents take even four million votes, Ruto will still command a 10 million-plus lead under the broad-based coalition,” Mudavadi said.
He urged UDA and ODM supporters to strengthen cooperation at the grassroots level, arguing that the two parties already had established political structures across the country.
“We must be very clear because there is no gambling. We have to lend our support to our candidate, President Ruto, and I am very confident that victory is coming our way,” Mudavadi said.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary said the two parties had a substantial national and grassroots presence that would be difficult for the opposition to match within the remaining period before the 2027 polls.
“UDA has a national and grassroots structure, same as ODM. Ten months to the August polls, nobody can build another party that will have such structures, expecting that the new party will lead them to a presidential win,” he said.
Mudavadi also called for peaceful and democratic elections, urging Kenyans to reject leaders he accused of promoting tribalism, hatred and political conflict.
He said the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) should be respected and protected to enable it to conduct free, fair and credible elections.
“Nobody will circumvent the work of the IEBC and the will of the voters. Let us not give room to any person who preaches disrespect and hatred,” Mudavadi said.
“A person who cannot even say thank you should be rejected. Leaders who are preaching hatred should not be in any position to lead the country. This is a message that should go to all Kenyans. We want leadership that is visionary, progressive and means well for the people.” Mudavadi said UDA was focused on securing Ruto’s re-election through the ballot, dismissing suggestions of shortcuts to victory.
“As UDA, we are working day and night to ensure that President Ruto wins democratically and peacefully through the ballot. Ruto atashinda kwa njia halali, sio ya mkato, ushindi na hesabu ya halali ambayo ni petition-free, two-term,” he said.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary also praised the progress made under devolution, describing it as a key pillar of Kenya’s constitutional framework.
He said the newly opened Tharaka Nithi County headquarters was an indication that county governments were improving service delivery and contributing to the welfare of citizens.
“The leadership of Governor Muthomi Njuki has greatly impacted Tharaka Nithi County. Today, as we celebrate the milestone of this new complex, it is a sign that good management continuously improves and touches the well-being of our people,” Mudavadi said.
He also defended Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s position in the Ruto administration, dismissing ongoing political discussions over who would deputise Ruto in the 2027 election as unfounded.
“I want to remind Kenyans, and especially politicians, that the seat of the Deputy President is not vacant. The decision made by President Ruto to appoint Prof Kindiki as his deputy was not child’s play,” Mudavadi said.
“The President knows the value Prof Kindiki is bringing to the table and he understands that, in Kindiki, there is no backstabbing.”
Mudavadi said he worked well with Kindiki and that UDA was focused on continuity under the Ruto-Kindiki ticket.
“Personally, I work very well with the Deputy President, and for us in UDA, we are looking at continuity and a win for our candidate, President Ruto, deputised by Prof Kindiki. Hizo zingine ni hadithi za jaba,” he said.
He thanked residents of Tharaka Nithi for giving their leaders time to deliver on their development commitments and pledged continued government support for devolution