Ruto defends political competition, calls for free campaign
President William Ruto has said candidates must be allowed to campaign freely, while Kenyans should have the space to assemble, question, criticise and choose their leaders ahead of the 2027 General Election. Speaking on Friday, August 28, 2026, during the Kenya Police Service pass-out ceremony at the National Police College in Kiganjo, Nyeri County, Ruto […]
President William Ruto emphasized the importance of political competition during a speech at the Kenya Police Service pass-out ceremony on August 28, 2026. He stated that candidates must be allowed to campaign freely and citizens should have the liberty to assemble, question, criticize, and choose their leaders ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Ruto highlighted that political competition is a vital part of Kenya's democracy, allowing parties to organize and candidates to campaign without restrictions. He urged Kenyans to exercise their right to gather peacefully, listen to political leaders, question their proposals, criticize them, and ultimately make their own choices.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has already set the election date for August 10, 2027, and begun the campaign period, which will run from May 29 to August 7, 2027. Ruto urged political parties to organize freely and candidates to reach voters and present their policies without intimidation.
Emphasizing the role of citizens in the democratic process, Ruto stressed that voters should be able to participate in political parties, campaign for a cause, and make their own political choices. He reminded that the Constitution guarantees these political rights and the right to free, fair, and regular elections based on the free expression of voters.
Article 37 of the Constitution separately protects the right of every person to peacefully assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to public authorities. Ruto reaffirmed that the police and other security agencies have a constitutional responsibility to protect this democratic space and maintain law and order while respecting these freedoms.
As political parties, candidates, and voters prepare for the 2027 contest, Ruto stressed that protecting the democratic space will be critical. He urged security agencies to maintain law and order while preserving the constitutional freedoms of Kenyans during this crucial period.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
