Ruto laments voter apathy in his Rift Valley backyard

President William Ruto has expressed frustration over the prevailing political atmosphere and the lack of support from voters in his political backyard.

In a rare moment, the President switched to the Kalenjin language to address members of his community, stating that 2.3 million voters from the community do not vote.

He also claimed that 500,000 individuals who have attained the mandatory age of 18 years had not applied for identity cards, rendering them ineligible to vote.

“We have 1.3 million Kalenjins who have identity cards but have not registered as voters, yet I am struggling to beg for votes from other communities, while we have our own voters who are simply idling around. Please, please help me, if you truly love me as you say,” said Ruto.

The President called out his community for allegedly neglecting him and allowing him to struggle while seeking support from other communities.

“You know that I do not like to use my vernacular language, especially at a burial ceremony and in the presence of other communities, but allow me today, briefly, to say one thing,” the President said.

In an emotional appeal, Ruto turned a burial ceremony in Bomet into a pointed political moment, warning that low voter registration in his stronghold could weaken his political base in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during the burial of Edwin Kipchirchir Koech, father of Roads Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, the President shifted from condolence remarks to a personal political appeal, blending emotion, frustration and mobilisation messaging.

The President’s remarks come amid rising political tensions across the country, as various formations explore ways to oust him in next year’s election.

Ruto has been under intense pressure from the Mt Kenya region, which voted for him overwhelmingly in the last election but has since shifted its political allegiance following the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

His efforts to court the ODM support base are also facing headwinds due to internal party wrangles that have resulted in two rival factions.

Addressing mourners in Bomet yesterday, Ruto questioned whether his efforts in office were being recognised, asking residents if they believed he was inactive or working tirelessly to unite and consolidate the country.

“I want to ask you, do you think I am in power sleeping, or do you see me moving around to consolidate the country?” he posed.

In a striking admission, the President said that low voter registration within his own community had left him politically exposed, forcing him into the uncomfortable position of constantly seeking support elsewhere.

“I go round begging, kneeling, asking for support because I have to consolidate numbers due to people who have failed me—some of whom are in this meeting today,” he said.

Other leaders who attended the burial in Kipketii, Bomet County, included Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

He said members of the community had begun reflecting on their leadership, questioning the whereabouts of the person they had elected to represent them.

He added that the community felt neglected and forgotten, citing alleged unfulfilled development promises.

Ruto said that if he had erred by remaining in office while his community lagged, then they too shared the blame and were part of the mistake.

The President explained how the community had contributed to what he described as his suffering.

“Let me explain to you, because right now you are torturing me. I have been forced to go all over Kenya to other communities, kneel and beg for support,” said Ruto.

He said he had been reduced to a beggar, moving from one home to another and from one region to the next, blaming his own people, including those present at the burial.

He insisted that the community had at least 2.3 million unregistered voters, making his task more difficult and forcing him to seek support from other communities despite being the President.

“I cannot go around begging for votes when I have my community. No! No! No! It is not true, it is unbelievable! Have you heard me?” he asked.

“Those who have refused to register as voters, what is ailing them? What do they want and what is their plan?” he posed.

He took a swipe at some community members allegedly present at the burial, whom he claimed were not registered voters.

“Among them is one who speaks loudly and is seen in centres and towns declaring support, belief and love for Ruto, yet he has nothing!” he lamented.

“No! Please help me! Help me. I have said it. Are you listening? I am saying help me. What must I say to convince you to help so we can minimise the begging?” he asked.

The President said that once they register as voters, he would find time to return home, visit them, share stories and spend time together.

“If I come home and we share stories and there is nothing… have you heard me? Do you want me to beg and say please, or what do you expect me to do?” he asked again.

He said he had instructed leaders from the community to mobilise voters and ensure his path to retaining the presidency is smooth, without the need for him to beg again.

He noted that he had faced insults and criticism while his people looked on, questioning his identity.

“Do you love and believe in Ruto for nothing and with nothing? Have you heard me? It is not normal to use vernacular, but these are not normal times. I have decided to express what is in my heart because I am here struggling, yet I have the numbers,” he insisted.

He urged attendees to spread the message, maintaining that he remained firmly in control of the government and had a clear plan for the nation.

“Everything is in place, and leaders from the community are here. We have the Head of Public Service and the Majority Leader of the Senate. Their role is to organise and plan for our home when I am engaged elsewhere,” he concluded.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, who also addressed mourners, acknowledged growing impatience within the community due to unmet expectations. He revealed that leaders had previously advised the President to postpone a regional tour because of the prevailing mood on the ground.

However, Cheruiyot assured the President that preparations for development projects were underway, noting that groundwork had already been laid and implementation was pending official commissioning.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula defended government expenditure, particularly the President’s extensive tours across the country, arguing that such engagements have enabled the administration to better understand citizens’ needs and tailor development initiatives accordingly.

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed backed the government’s economic record, citing the Economic Survey 2026 as evidence that Kenya’s economic foundation remains strong. He noted that the country is currently ranked as the third-largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa, after South Africa and Nigeria.

Junet said the administration inherited an economy in severe debt distress, with limited resources for development, and emphasised that reversing the situation required decisive and committed leadership.

“There was no money for development, and turning things around to pull the country out of the pit was not easy,” he said, adding that only focused leadership could deliver such a recovery.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah urged critics of the government to acknowledge progress and support ongoing transformation efforts.

“The naysayers, when you listen to them, cannot dispute that something is happening in terms of transformation. Let us remain focused on building the country’s economy,” he said.