CS Ruku: Sifuna not a threat to Ruto’s reelection bid

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has dismissed suggestions that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna poses a significant challenge to President William Ruto's re-election prospects.

He argued that Sifuna has not attained the political stature required to mount a credible nationwide presidential campaign.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Ruku said while Sifuna's rising profile in national politics is notable, he remains far from becoming a serious contender against the President.

"Sifuna has not reached the threshold of being a potential threat to any serious political players like President William Ruto," Ruku said.

The Cabinet Secretary argued that building a successful presidential bid requires years of investment in political structures and grassroots networks across the country.

"To run a national campaign you have to institutionalise a number of things which take time to happen," he said.

Ruku noted that a nationwide campaign extends beyond attracting crowds in major urban centres and requires candidates to build support in every corner of the country.

"When running a nationwide campaign, you are not doing it just in major towns. The last-mile campaign is where the rubber meets the road," he said.

"Instead of going to Nakuru City for a big rally, you will want to got to other areas in Nakuru County. Here we are talking about places like Rongai, Gilgil and Naivasha, covering all areas of the county."

He maintained that Ruto remains firmly ahead of his potential challengers, citing opinion polls that place the Head of State in the lead.

"Sifuna is not a threat at all and looking at the polls shows Ruto is leading," Ruku said.

While acknowledging Sifuna's recent rise in popularity, Ruku noted that the Nairobi senator was polling ahead of opposition figures Kalonzo Musyoka and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i. 

"Sifuna is coming ahead of Kalonzo Musyoka and Fred Matiang'i, which is impressive," he said.

However, he argued that the senator's support would likely plateau.

"But I do not anticipate he will be able to go beyond 15 per cent approval, and remember Ruto has not rolled out his campaign machinery."

According to Ruku, Ruto remains focused on implementing his administration's development agenda rather than campaigning for the 2027 General Election.

"Ruto is currently busy concentrating on programmes to transform the nation. Ruto is still not a candidate, but a time is coming when he will be the UDA candidate and you will see the ratings changing," he said.

He added that the President's development record would be a major factor in securing another term, particularly in the Mt Kenya region.

"Ruto has a very clear record and that is why I am saying Mt Kenya will not come out of this government," Ruku said.

The Cabinet Secretary's remarks come amid growing discussion over Sifuna's increasing visibility on the national political stage ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Nairobi senator has emerged as one of the opposition's most outspoken voices, using public rallies, parliamentary debates and media appearances to criticise the Kenya Kwanza administration while expanding his political profile beyond the capital.