Jeremiah Kioni: Opposition Divisions Could Secure Ruto’s Re-election
Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni has suggested that President William Ruto stands a strong chance of winning a second term if his inner circle remains well-coordinated.
Speaking on NTV on February 24, Kioni pointed out that the ongoing divisions within the opposition could give Ruto a significant advantage in the 2027 elections.
According to Kioni, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is currently experiencing internal conflicts, which could work in Ruto’s favor, especially if he successfully strengthens his United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
“If the confusion within the opposition continues, President Ruto will have a clear path to securing another five-year term,” Kioni stated.
He further explained that ODM is now divided into two opposing factions—one group is cooperating with the government, while the other remains firmly in opposition.
“You can clearly see two groups in ODM. One side is openly working with the government as we head toward 2027, while the other is completely against it,” he added.
One major factor fueling ODM’s division is President Ruto’s endorsement of Raila Odinga for the African Union (AU) chairperson position. This endorsement has created further uncertainty, with one ODM faction choosing to align with Ruto’s administration, while the other remains critical of the government.
Kioni believes that if Ruto capitalizes on these divisions, his path to re-election will be much smoother.
However, he also warned that Ruto must address emerging cracks within UDA itself. According to him, the ruling party is also splitting into two groups—one side remains loyal to the government, while the other supports Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
“In UDA, there is ‘Team A’ that fully supports the government, and then there’s ‘Team B,’ which is leaning towards Gachagua. This second faction is trying to act as an opposition while still being part of the ruling party,” Kioni explained.
A section of ODM leaders has openly backed Ruto’s leadership, further boosting his chances in 2027. However, ODM Deputy Party Leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati has dismissed these claims, insisting that the party remains united and focused.
Kioni’s remarks highlight growing tensions within Kenya’s two biggest political parties. If these divisions persist, they could significantly reshape the country’s political landscape ahead of the next general election.
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