Ruto Deploys Cabinet Secretaries to Lead 2027 Re-Election Campaign

President William Ruto has directed his Cabinet Secretaries to take prominent roles in his re-election campaign, with senior ministers now spearheading political efforts across the country. 

This move has raised concerns about the blurring of lines between government duties and partisan politics as the 2027 election season approaches. Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has announced plans to lead Ruto’s campaign in Siaya County, a region historically loyal to opposition leader Raila Odinga. 

Wandayi emphasised the importance of securing local support for the president, urging voters not to back politicians with little chance in the upcoming elections. His statement reflects a broader strategy to strengthen Ruto's hold on key areas, combining development efforts with political mobilisation.

Cabinet Secretaries have increasingly taken on active roles in political rallies, using their positions to promote government policies while seeking voter backing. These efforts, framed as part of regional development initiatives, have been interpreted by many as targeted campaigning for Ruto's re-election. 

Ministers have been assigned specific regions to lead these efforts, with areas such as Mount Kenya, Nyanza, and Western Kenya being key focal points. The latter regions, historically opposition strongholds, have become central to Ruto’s strategy of consolidating support ahead of 2027.

Ruto’s Cabinet includes experienced political figures, such as Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and Treasury Secretary John Mbadi, all of whom have been active in grassroots mobilisation. Their involvement has raised concerns about the use of state resources for political campaigning, with critics accusing the government of violating constitutional provisions on the neutrality of state officers.

The participation of Cabinet Secretaries in electioneering is not a new issue in Kenyan politics. In 2017, opposition leader Raila Odinga challenged the involvement of Cabinet Secretaries in President Uhuru Kenyatta's re-election bid, citing potential breaches of election laws. 

However, the Supreme Court ruled that Cabinet members, as political appointees, were exempt from certain neutrality requirements, allowing them to engage in political campaigns at the discretion of the president or governor. Despite this ruling, critics argue that Cabinet Secretaries are using state resources to further their political agendas. 

Opposition leaders, including Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, have called for accountability, pointing out the apparent contradiction between the government’s stated commitment to upholding the Constitution and its involvement in political campaigning. The government has defended the actions of its ministers, arguing that their engagement with the public is part of their official duties to promote government policies and public participation. 

Munyori Buku, Head of the Presidential Communication Service, dismissed allegations of misconduct, asserting that the ministers were fulfilling their mandates by overseeing development projects and engaging with local communities.