President William Ruto has pledged that the 2027 General Election will be free, fair and peaceful, as he warned politicians against threats, coercion and messages that could divide Kenyans along ethnic lines.
Ruto said every Kenyan must be allowed to exercise their constitutional right to vote for a candidate of their choice without intimidation or interference.
“The General Election will be free and fair. We’ll not allow anyone to put the lives of other Kenyans at risk,” Ruto said Tuesday during an engagement with village elders at State House.
He said the government would not tolerate attempts to undermine the electoral process through threats, coercion or ethnic mobilisation.
“Vitisho, kushurutisha watu, kujaribu kuleta ukabila na kugawanya wananchi haitakubalika katika taifa letu la Kenya ( Threats, intimidation, attempts to foment tribalism and divide Kenyans will not be tolerated in our nation, Kenya) ,” he said.
The President urged Kenyans to support efforts to ensure the country remains peaceful as political activity intensifies ahead of the elections.
He also called on the community leaders, particularly the village leaders, to ensure political engagements and campaigns are conducted within the law and in accordance with the Constitution.
“Nyinyi kama wazee pale vijijini mtusaidie kuhakikisha ya kwamba zote tunaendesha mambo yetu kisheria na chini ya Katiba ndiyo Kenya iweze kuenda mbele kama nchi tunayojivunia,” Ruto said.
This is translated to mean: “As elders in your villages, help us ensure that everyone conducts their affairs in accordance with the law and the Constitution so that Kenya can move forward as a nation we are proud of.”
The President’s remarks come as political parties and leaders increasingly step up mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections, with competition for support expected to intensify in the coming months.
His statement appeared to be directed to some opposition leaders who have been advancing ethnic politics.
Ruto said political competition should not be allowed to threaten the country’s stability, insisting that Kenyans must be free to make their electoral choices without fear.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who was present during the event, similarly urged the elders to take an active role in maintaining peace.
Murkomen asked the elders to reject politicians who promote ethnic divisions and instead support leaders committed to peaceful coexistence.
“I request you, our elders, to be the cornerstone of peace and shun leaders who are preaching politics of division and tribalism,” Murkomen said.
He said elders have an important role to play in their communities, particularly in promoting dialogue, resolving disputes and discouraging inflammatory political rhetoric.
The remarks come against a backdrop of heightened political activity as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.
The Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to make political choices freely, while electoral laws provide mechanisms for resolving disputes arising from the electoral process.
Ruto said the government would continue working to ensure the country’s political environment remains conducive to peaceful participation, urging Kenyans to safeguard the progress made in strengthening democracy.
He called on political leaders and their supporters to respect the law and avoid actions that could trigger violence or undermine national cohesion.