Journalist Kwamchetsi Makokha has raised questions over whether President William Ruto would peacefully hand over power if he loses the 2027 presidential election, citing his long political career and determination to remain at the centre of Kenya’s political establishment.
Makokha made the remarks while reflecting on Ruto’s political journey and the challenges likely to define the next General Election.
The journalist argued that Ruto was compelled to focus on his political survival early in his first term following the 2024 Gen Z protests.
“Within the first two years of his administration, William Ruto was being forced to bus people to State House to flash the two-finger salute after the rupture of the Gen Z protests in 2024,” he said.
According to Makokha, the events significantly altered the political environment surrounding Ruto’s presidency and forced his administration to begin thinking about the next election much earlier than expected.
“He was therefore forced to start thinking about re-election before he was even halfway through the first half of his five-year term,” Makokha stated.
He argued that Ruto’s political strategies have included attempts to win support, build alliances and confront opponents, while claiming that the President could still face a difficult contest in 2027.
“Ruto has shown that he can fight. He has shown that he can negotiate. What we have not seen is how he responds when the fight is for his own presidency and the only acceptable outcome is departure,” he said.
Makokha based his argument partly on Ruto’s political history, noting that the President has repeatedly repositioned himself as alliances and political circumstances changed.
Ruto served in government under President Daniel arap Moi and later became a prominent ally of Mwai Kibaki, Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta at different stages of his political career.
“When he fell out with Raila, he became close to Kibaki; when he fell out with Uhuru, Ruto did not resign,” Makokha observed.
He further recalled Ruto’s reaction to the 2017 presidential election dispute after the Supreme Court nullified the initial election and ordered a fresh poll.
Makokha also compared Kenya’s history of presidential succession with other countries in the region, arguing that peaceful transfers of power should not be taken for granted.
“Kenya has established a democratic habit of presidential succession. Moi handed over to Kibaki in 2002. Kibaki handed over to Uhuru in 2013. Uhuru handed over to Ruto in 2022,” he said.
With the 2027 election approaching, Makokha said Ruto’s response to a possible defeat would test both his political legacy and Kenya’s democratic institutions.
“This is in no way an accusation. It is a question the historical record requires us to ask: If Kenyans vote him out, will William Ruto leave State House?” he asked.