President William Ruto has hit back at opposition “One Term” chants, accusing critics of having no plan for Kenyans and warning that they are underestimating him ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a development tour on Monday, Ruto said election victory will not come from slogans.
“Wanafikiria ‘One Term’ will earn them the presidency na hawana mpangilio ya Wakenya. Hao majamaa wanafikiria siko macho, ati nimelala, watashangaa. Hawana agenda, ushindi ya uchaguzi sio kusema ‘One Term.’… nitawaskuma kweli kweli,” he said. Translated: “They think ‘One Term’ will earn them the presidency yet they have no plan for Kenyans. Those guys think Iโm not watching, that Iโm asleep, they will be shocked. They have no agenda, election victory is not about saying ‘One Term.’… I will really push them.”
The remarks come 18 months to the 2027 polls, as the “One Term” narrative gains traction online and in opposition rallies. Critics have used it to fault the administration over cost of living, taxation, and delivery of campaign promises.
Ruto is instead framing 2027 as a contest between delivery and slogans. His administration is banking on flagship programs including affordable housing, Hustler Fund, agricultural reforms, and infrastructure to make the case for a second term. State House aides say the President wants the conversation to shift from “hashtags to what has been done in the shamba, market, and hospital.”
The “siko macho” line also signals a tougher political posture. With party realignments and voter registration expected to begin in early 2026, Rutoโs “nitawaskuma kweli kweli” comment points to an early and aggressive campaign.
For the opposition, the challenge will be to move beyond the chant and present a clear policy alternative. Leaders including Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, and Eugene Wamalwa have led the “One Term” calls, but have yet to unveil a joint agenda.
Analysts note that personnel and policy decisions at the national level will now be read through a 2027 lens. With IEBC also undergoing leadership changes, the next year will test whether Kenyans vote on anger or on what government has delivered.
Ruto has maintained he will be on the ballot in 2027 and expects to win with a bigger margin. For now, the message from Eldoret is clear: the presidency, he argues, will be decided by agenda, not anger.
