Moses Kuria Sparks Uproar After Claiming Ruto Would Still Win Even if Defeated
- mwananchivoiceco
- Jan 13
- 3 min read
Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has triggered sharp political controversy after making remarks suggesting that President William Ruto would remain in power even if the ruling camp loses the 2027 General Election.
Speaking to residents in Nyeri on Monday, January 12th, Kuria acknowledged what he described as growing political pressure from a united opposition front led by Democratic Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
According to Kuria, even in the event of defeat at the ballot, President Ruto’s camp would do everything possible to ensure he serves a second term.
“Even if the United Opposition defeats us in the 2027 general election against President Ruto, we will steal. And we will not beg anyone,” Kuria said, remarks that immediately ignited backlash across the political divide.
The comments were widely condemned by opposition leaders and civil society actors, who warned that such rhetoric undermines democratic norms and public confidence in Kenya’s electoral process.
Former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has been a central figure in debates over electoral credibility, particularly during the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election held in November 2025.
During the campaign period, Gachagua alleged that some political operatives were engaging in illicit tactics the influence the poll's outcome. Among the claims he raised were allegations of attempts to buy national identity cards from young voters, a move he said could suppress turnout or manipulate votes.
“I have just been told that some leaders are buying IDs for young people so that they don't go and vote. It is very sad if you sell your ID for Ksh5,000 or Ksh2,000 and then you deny yourself the right to choose a representative who will determine your future,” Gachagua said.
He criticised what he termed the use of cash inducements and aggressive political mobilisation, warning that such practices distort democratic choice and undermine free and fair elections.
Backing Gachagua’s concerns, Kalonzo Musyoka accused the government of orchestrating electoral interference during the Mbeere North and Malava by-elections, arguing that similar tactics could be deployed in the 2027 polls.
“UDA did not win in Malava and Mbeere; that they know. We have evidence that phone calls were made to Mbeere; that was a direct interference. Therefore, we are going to come up with a serious approach to this thing. Not just the country, the whole world knows he did not win. We are going to have a clear, strong petition,” Kalonzo said.
The Wiper leader has also questioned confidence in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ahead of future elections.
Speaking on Saturday, January 10th, in Machakos County, Kalonzo called for the resignation of IEBC Chief Executive Officer Marjan Hussein Marjan, accusing him of unlawfully renewing the contract of election technology firm Smartmatic before the appointment of new commissioners.
“When there was no commission in place, he moved very fast and renewed Smartmatic’s contract. When the new commissioners came in, they found that he had already renewed those contracts. It was an illegal act,” Kalonzo said.
Kalonzo warned that the 2027 General Election would not be free or fair if Marjan remains in office.
“We are saying that Marjan cannot oversee the next election as CEO. We cannot have free and fair elections with Marjan at the IEBC,” he added.
Kuria’s remarks, combined with opposition allegations surrounding recent by-elections and the electoral commission, have heightened political tensions as early manoeuvring for the 2027 presidential race intensifies.
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