NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has pledged that Kenya’s 2027 General Election will be free, peaceful and credible, assuring Kenyans that his administration will not tolerate electoral violence, intimidation or attempts to divide the country along ethnic lines.
Speaking on Tuesday 4, August 2026 at State House, Nairobi, during a meeting with village elders drawn from across the country, the President said every Kenyan would be free to vote for the candidate of their choice without fear.
“I assure you it will be a free and peaceful election. We cannot allow anyone to endanger the lives of Kenyans. It is the right of every Kenyan to vote who they want,” Ruto said.
He warned that the government would firmly deal with individuals promoting violence, lawlessness or ethnic hatred in the run-up to the polls.
“Threats and attempts to use tribalism to divide citizens will not be allowed in this country. Help us ensure that we all live under the rule of law,” he added.
Ruto’s remarks come as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, with parties beginning to position themselves for what is expected to be a fiercely contested race.
The President, who is expected to seek a second and final term in office, said his administration remains committed to protecting democratic freedoms while ensuring national stability throughout the electoral period.
His comments are likely to be closely scrutinised amid ongoing debate over governance, political freedoms and the credibility of electoral institutions.
Beyond the election, Ruto said his administration remains focused on Kenya’s long-term economic transformation through the proposed National Development Charter (Vision 2060), which is intended to succeed the current Vision 2030 development blueprint.
The President suggested that implementation of the ambitious programme would extend beyond his current term if he secures re-election.
“There is what we will do during this term and there is what we will hopefully do in the next term,” he said.
He argued that Kenya’s future development must combine democratic governance with economic opportunity and improved living standards.
“Development must give every Kenyan a chance. Our political progress must be matched by economic opportunity, social dignity, and steadily improving living standards,” Ruto said.
Citizens to shape Vision 2060
The President reiterated that the proposed Vision 2060 would be shaped through nationwide public participation rather than government-driven planning alone.
He urged village elders to spearhead discussions within their communities to ensure ordinary citizens contribute to the country’s next long-term development agenda.
“This national conversation cannot remain in conference halls or Government offices. It must reach every county, every ward, every village, and every household. You, our village elders, must help lead it,” he said.
Ruto said the charter seeks to give practical effect to the socio-economic rights guaranteed under Article 43 of the Constitution.
“This conversation is about giving practical meaning to the promise of Article 43 of our Constitution: healthcare for every family; adequate housing and sanitation; freedom from hunger; clean and safe water; social security; and education for every child.”
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The President also acknowledged the formal integration of more than 106,000 village elders into the National Government Administration system, describing them as critical partners in community mobilisation and public service delivery.
He called on the elders to help promote national unity and civic participation while supporting implementation of government programmes.
Ruto’s assurances come at a time when his administration continues to face growing public pressure over the rising cost of living, governance concerns and allegations of corruption.
His government has also come under increasing criticism from sections of the opposition and civil society over economic hardship and public sector performance.
Despite the criticism, the President insisted that his administration remains focused on delivering long-term development while safeguarding democratic processes ahead of the 2027 elections.
