Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has delivered a scathing indictment of President William Ruto’s administration, warning that the "arrogance of power" displayed by the President’s closest allies has rendered them unelectable ahead of the defining 2027 polls.

Speaking with the gravity of a political coroner examining a still-breathing patient, Maanzo argued that the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has committed the cardinal sin of Kenyan politics: decoupling from the electorate. The Senator’s prognosis is not just a warning; it is a declaration that the ground has shifted, and the President’s "sky team" is now flying without a landing gear.

The "Sycostate" Phenomenon

"The people around the President have become a liability, not an asset," Maanzo declared during a fiery address in Wote town. "They are drunk on power, blind to the suffering of the wananchi, and deaf to the cries of the hustle that put them in office. I can tell you today, free of charge: 80% of the people currently surrounding William Ruto will not see the inside of Parliament in 2027. They are political walking dead."

Maanzo’s critique digs deeper than mere partisan bickering. It exposes a structural fracture within the ruling coalition. He points to a series of unpopular policies—from the aggressive housing levy enforcement to the chaotic transition in the health insurance model (SHA)—as evidence that the President’s advisors are insulated from reality.

• The Echo Chamber: Maanzo claims the President is "held hostage" by a circle of yes-men who filter out negative feedback, leading to policy blunders that have sparked nationwide protests.
• The Gachagua Factor: The Senator alluded to the alienation of the mountain voting bloc following the tribulations of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, noting that "you cannot cut off your right hand and expect to box effectively."
• Economic disconnect: With the cost of living remaining stubbornly high, Maanzo argues that the opulent lifestyles flaunted by Cabinet Secretaries have fueled deep resentment among the youth (Gen Z), who feel betrayed by the very administration that promised a "revolution."

A History of Defiance

This is not the first time Maanzo has broken ranks or offered grim predictions. As a seasoned legal mind and a key player in the opposition trenches, his analysis often bridges the gap between legal theory and raw political instinct. He recalls the warnings given to the previous Jubilee administration, which went unheeded until the "handshake" reshuffled the deck. This time, however, he sees no handshake saving the President’s lieutenants.

"The voter in 2027 will not be the voter of 2022," Maanzo warned. "They have receipts. They have TikTok videos of promises made and broken. They have M-Pesa statements showing the taxes deducted. The era of tribal mobilization is ending; the era of accountability is beginning. If the President does not clean house now, the voters will clean it for him with a broom of fire."

As the political temperatures rise, Maanzo’s words serve as a chilling notice to the occupants of Harambee House: power is transient, and in Kenya’s volatile democracy, the fall is often faster than the rise.