"Ruto Will Win His Second Term Unopposed" Says CS Ali Hassan Joho

Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho has boldly asserted that President William Ruto is poised to secure a second term in the 2027 general election, potentially facing little serious opposition due to strengthening alliances and recent political victories.

Speaking at recent event that brought all leaders in Kilifi county to celebrate Raila's 81st birthday. Joho, a former fierce critic of Ruto who dramatically shifted allegiance after joining the broad-based Cabinet in 2024, emphasized unified support from coastal leaders.

"As Coast leaders, we are fully behind President Ruto. We will support him all the way to 2027 and ensure he secures his second term," Joho declared, adding that regional aspirations for higher office in 2032 hinge on allowing Ruto to complete his tenure.

Joho's remarks align with a broader strategy by President Ruto to consolidate power through the inclusion of former opposition figures.

Following strong performances in November 2025 by-elections where the broad-based government camp swept all seven parliamentary seats Ruto has reportedly directed key Cabinet Secretaries, including Joho, Opiyo Wandayi, John Mbadi, and Wycliffe Oparanya, to lead regional campaigns for his re-election.

The CS's endorsement reflects ongoing realignments in Kenyan politics. The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) are reportedly drafting a formal pre-election coalition agreement in early 2026, with ODM expected to back

Ruto's bid in exchange for influence in government. This potential pact could marginalize remaining opposition voices in Azimio la Umoja, as figures like Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka push for an early 2026 announcement of a united opposition candidate.

Recent polls indicate mixed fortunes for the President: while Ruto leads in several regions, no candidate commands overwhelming national support, with approval ratings hovering below 30% in some surveys.

However, victories in mini-polls and grassroots mobilization efforts bolstered by former ODM heavyweights like Joho in the Coast and Wandayi in Nyanza have fueled optimism in the Kenya Kwanza camp.