NAIROBI, Kenya — Constitutional lawyer Makau Mutua has said President William Ruto would secure a comfortable victory if a General Election were held today, arguing that the Head of State currently faces no credible challenger and has strengthened his political standing through his record in office.
Speaking during Citizen TV’s Sunday Live programme, Mutua said Ruto’s performance in government had convinced many Kenyans and positioned him as the frontrunner ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“If the election was held today, the president would win the election going away. He has worked,” Mutua said.
According to the law professor, Kenyan voters are capable of independently evaluating the government’s performance and making informed political decisions.
“Kenyans are not fools. Kenyans can see that the president has worked and is working,” he added.
Says opposition lacks a formidable challenger
Mutua argued that the opposition has yet to produce a strong candidate capable of mounting a serious challenge against Ruto.
While acknowledging the existence of political competitors, he maintained that none currently possess the political strength, national appeal or organisational capacity required to unseat the President.
“This president doesn’t really have an opponent. He has a cast of characters who cannot give themselves a good bath,” Mutua said.
His remarks come as political parties continue positioning themselves for the next electoral cycle, with opposition leaders seeking to consolidate support amid ongoing debates over governance, the economy and the cost of living.
Explains shift from critic to supporter
Mutua, who has previously been a vocal critic of Ruto and his administration, also addressed questions about his evolving political position.
He said his views had changed after working closely with the President over the past year and observing his leadership style firsthand.
According to Mutua, the broad-based government arrangement involving President Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was designed to stabilise the country following political tensions and unrest witnessed in 2024 and 2025.
“This government, which Baba and the President formed, was not formed by accident. It was formed by design. Its purpose was to save this country from the turbulence that took place in 2024 and 2025,” he said.
Mutua further disclosed that he and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed played a role in facilitating discussions surrounding the arrangement.
Praises Ruto’s leadership and work ethic
The constitutional scholar said his interactions with the President had left him impressed by what he described as Ruto’s patriotism, intellect and commitment to public service.
“I have worked with him now for more than a year. I can tell you that I am impressed, first of all, by his patriotism. I’m impressed by his brilliance. He has a breadth of knowledge and a good mind that impresses me very much,” Mutua said.
He also praised the President’s work ethic, suggesting that Ruto’s dedication to government business distinguished him from previous occupants of the country’s highest office.
“I have not seen a president of this country who has done as much as he has done in only three and a half years. I am truly impressed. And that’s why I support him,” he said.
Mutua added:
“I told him the other day, I don’t know when you sleep, man. You are working so hard. I have never seen a president who works as hard.”
Links support to inclusivity and reforms
Mutua further argued that the President had demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity by appointing individuals from communities that he believes had historically been excluded from national governance.
He also suggested that several commitments discussed between Ruto and Raila Odinga were being implemented, including efforts aimed at addressing historical injustices and broadening representation in government.
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“He has gone and appointed individuals from communities that were completely excluded from the governance of this country. He’s reached out broadly and widely to include folks,” Mutua said.
Political debate likely to continue
Mutua’s remarks are likely to fuel debate within Kenya’s political landscape, where opinions on President Ruto’s administration remain sharply divided.
Supporters point to infrastructure projects, economic reforms and political inclusivity initiatives as evidence of progress, while critics continue to raise concerns about the high cost of living, taxation, public debt and governance challenges.
With more than a year remaining before the country enters the formal campaign season for the 2027 General Election, political alliances and public opinion are expected to continue evolving.
For now, however, Mutua maintains that President Ruto remains the strongest political figure in the country and would emerge victorious if voters were called to the ballot today.
