Ruto Raises Alarm Over Alleged Political Fundraising Drive Targeting Coast Residents Ahead of 2027

President William Ruto has issued a fresh warning to Coast residents over politicians he claims could soon descend on the region seeking financial contributions as they position themselves for the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking in Watamu, Kilifi County, on Friday, October 2, Ruto told traders and residents to be cautious of politicians who may use their ambitions for political office to solicit money from businesses and individuals.

The President specifically warned traders to expect politicians who could move around the Coast seeking financial support while presenting themselves as presidential hopefuls.

“Wafanyibiashara wa huku nawatahadharisha, kuna matapeli watakuja huku ati wanakuja kuomba pesa, ati wanatembea na mabakuli, ati wanatafuta vyeo katika nchi hii,” Ruto said.

Ruto described the politicians he was referring to as persistent con artists and accused them of using political ambitions to put pressure on people for financial contributions.

“Mimi nataka niwaambie hawa ni matapeli sugu sana, wale ni extortionists wabaya sana,” he added.

The President further claimed that such individuals could target people across different economic levels, ranging from small-scale traders to governors and investors.

“Wale watu ni dangerous, hakuna mtu hawa-extort, mara mama mboga, mara governors, mara investors,” Ruto said.

His remarks come at a time when political activity is gradually intensifying ahead of the 2027 General Election, with politicians across the country expected to increase their grassroots engagements and mobilisation efforts.

The Coast remains an important political region, comprising Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Tana River, Lamu and Taita Taveta counties. Political leaders have increasingly turned their attention to the region as they seek to consolidate support ahead of the next election.

Ruto’s warning places the issue of political fundraising at the centre of his latest engagement with Coast residents.

He urged traders to remain alert and exercise caution when approached by politicians seeking financial contributions.

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