A Nairobi-based lawyer, Wahome Thuku, has delivered a blunt message to President William Ruto, urging him to rethink his political messaging ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a public statement, Thuku criticised the President’s continued reliance on his development record, arguing that the approach is losing traction among voters.
He pointed to government initiatives such as affordable housing, market construction, and electricity connectivity, stating that repeatedly citing these achievements in campaigns may no longer resonate with the electorate.
“Stop using your performance in campaigns. That message is old and dead,” Thuku said, suggesting that the political landscape has shifted and requires a new strategy.
The lawyer referenced a growing sentiment among sections of Kenyans, where voters have jokingly but pointedly suggested they would rather vote for a “goat” than re-elect the incumbent.
According to Thuku, the metaphor reflects deeper dissatisfaction and should not be dismissed as mere rhetoric.
He argued that the comparison signals a protest vote mentality, where some citizens are willing to back even less qualified candidates as a way of expressing frustration.
“The people are saying they don’t eat track records,” he noted, adding that voters appear to prioritise immediate economic realities over past achievements.
At the same time, Thuku acknowledged that some potential challengers may not match the President’s development record.
However, he warned that this may not prevent them from gaining public support if the current administration fails to adjust its messaging and address public concerns more effectively.
In his statement, Thuku also disclosed his personal political preference, backing former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as his preferred presidential candidate in 2027