The campaign for 2027 has officially begun. In a show of force that leaves no doubt about his intent, President William Ruto has summoned over 17,000 grassroots leaders to Nyeri, effectively activating the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) war machine. This is not a routine meeting; it is a mobilization order for a political army tasked with securing a second term.

Gathered at the Sagana State Lodge—a venue heavy with political symbolism—the President laid out a ruthless strategy to consolidate his Mt. Kenya base while expanding his footprint into opposition strongholds. The directive is clear: strengthen the party at the polling center level, the smallest unit of political organization, to ensure no vote is lost.

The "Ground" Strategy

Ruto is taking nothing for chance. He has ordered repeat grassroots elections in 42 counties to weed out inactive officials and replace them with loyalists hungry for victory. The target is to have 600,000 radicalized grassroots officials who owe their allegiance directly to the party leader.

• The ODM Flirtation: While shoring up his base, Ruto is simultaneously courting his traditional rivals. The talks of a "broad-based government" and potential coalition with ODM are designed to fracture the opposition, leaving him with no formidable challenger in 2027.
• Project Launch Blitz: The meetings are timed to coincide with a tour of development projects. The President is betting that tangible infrastructure—roads, water, and housing—will be the antidote to the rising cost of living complaints.

Total War

"We are not waiting for the campaign period; we are campaigning now," a close aide revealed. By starting early and utilizing the incumbency advantage to the fullest, Ruto aims to make his re-election a foregone conclusion.

The opposition, still reeling from internal divisions, is playing catch-up. As the UDA yellow wave begins to roll out across the villages, the message to rivals is stark: The General is on the march, and he intends to take no prisoners.