- EALA Member of Parliament David Sankok said the biggest threat to President William Ruto's re-election in 2027 comes from United Declaration leader Raila Odinga
- Sankok said that while Ruto is facing various opponents, Raila is risking his political future
- Reflecting on their historical enmity, Sankok noted that Ruto had “injured” Raila politically on several occasions, most notably from 2002
- Sankok suggested that if Raila runs for the presidency in 2027 and chooses Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as his running mate, they can create a serious challenge against Ruto
Nairobi – East African Parliament Member of Parliament (EALA) David Sankok has said that the way for President William Ruto to be re-elected in 2027 is fundamentally threatened by the leader of the Unity Declaration Raila Odinga.
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The outspoken MP used a Maasai story to compare the veteran politician to a wounded lion.
In an interview with K24 on Thursday, September 26, Sankok said that although Ruto may see several political opponents around him, Raila is the biggest threat to his re-election bid.
“Maasai people say that a wounded lion in the forest is more dangerous, the one you don't see than the one you see. The re-election of William Ruto in 2027 is not threatened by those he sees around him. It is threatened by my candidate for the AUC chairmanship, and that is Raila Odinga. He has injured Raila four times.” he said.
What is the history of Ruto and Raila?
Sankok highlighted the historical context of the rivalry of Ruto and Raila, suggesting that Ruto managed to “wound” Raila several times over the years.
He listed the milestones in their political journey, tracing back to 2002 when the decision was made that former president Uhuru Kenyatta would be the successor to former president Daniel Arap Moi.
“In 2013, when he campaigned for Uhuru Kenyatta; in 2002, when they decided that Uhuru would be Moi's project; in 2017, when he campaigned for Uhuru and in 2022 when he campaigned for himself. all against Raila,” he said.
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According to Sankok, these previous events have set the stage for an unpredictable contest in the 2027 presidential election, should Raila choose to contest.
He emphasized that if Raila decides to run for the presidency in 2027 and carefully chooses Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as his running mate, they will defeat Ruto easily.
“So if Raila decides to run in 2027 and decides on a running mate, Rigathi will have the upper hand. If he joins, it's a done deal, early in the morning,” Sankok added.
Ruto warns against early campaigns
On Sunday, September 15, the head of state criticized the elected officials who participated in the early campaigns.
Ruto indirectly asked his deputy Gachagua to consider presenting the Kenya First manifesto to the people.
The president's remarks came a few days after more than 40 members of parliament quarreled with Gachagua about the leadership of Mount Kenya.
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