Ruto Compares Sifuna’s 2027 Bid with Raila’s 2007 Bid

President William Ruto has drawn a comparison between the 2027 political ambitions of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s presidential campaign in 2007.

Ruto suggested that Raila approached his 2007 presidential bid by presenting Kenyans with an agenda centred on development and infrastructure, contrasting this with Sifuna’s criticism of some of the government’s infrastructure projects.

Although Ruto did not directly mention Sifuna by name, his remarks appeared to target the Nairobi senator, who has repeatedly criticised the government’s development priorities and referred to some projects as “shiny things.”

The President has previously used the “shiny things” phrase when responding to Sifuna’s criticism of projects such as roads, railways and ports.

Ruto’s comparison comes as Sifuna increasingly positions himself as part of the opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election, with his political movement challenging the government’s approach to development, governance and the cost of living.

The President’s remarks were made against the backdrop of renewed public discussion about Raila’s political legacy following his death.

Speaking during the handover and dedication of Raila’s mausoleum in Bondo, Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Ida Odinga, reflected on the late opposition leader’s long political career.

She noted that political opponents could eventually find themselves working together, saying that understanding Kenya’s politics also meant understanding Raila’s ability to maintain relationships across political divides.

Ida also recalled Ruto’s political relationship with Raila, noting that although the two competed fiercely, they eventually found moments when they could work together in the interest of the country.

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