Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale recently claimed that Ruto already possesses a substantial geographical base capable of fulfilling the constitutional requirement that presidential candidates receive at least 25 percent of votes in over half of Kenya's counties.
While speaking to members of the Somali community in Mombasa, Duale emphasized that Ruto's backing includes pastoralist and Muslim-majority areas, as well as regions in the Rift Valley and Western Kenya.
“President Ruto is already sure of getting the 25 percent requirement from the pastoralist and Muslim-dominated counties, Mombasa included. And when you add the seven in Rift Valley and Western counties, President Ruto has already 45 counties,” Duale stated.
According to the Kenyan Constitution, a presidential candidate must garner more than half of the national votes and at least 25 percent in more than half of the 47 counties, meaning the county requirement applies to a minimum of 24 counties.
Duale also rebutted claims concerning the size and influence of specific voting blocs. He challenged former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's assertions about voter numbers in Central Kenya, pointing out that the 2022 election results indicated divided support among various political factions in the region.
“President Ruto is already sure of getting the 25 percent requirement from the pastoralist and Muslim-dominated counties, Mombasa included. And when you add the seven in Rift Valley and Western counties, President Ruto has already 45 counties,” Duale stated.
According to the Kenyan Constitution, a presidential candidate must garner more than half of the national votes and at least 25 percent in more than half of the 47 counties, meaning the county requirement applies to a minimum of 24 counties.
Duale also rebutted claims concerning the size and influence of specific voting blocs. He challenged former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's assertions about voter numbers in Central Kenya, pointing out that the 2022 election results indicated divided support among various political factions in the region.
He encouraged political leaders to use official voter registration and election data when assessing their potential backing.
The Cabinet Secretary further evaluated opposition figures like Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. According to Duale, Sifuna's political reach is largely limited to Bungoma, while Kalonzo has stronger support in Kitui, Makueni, and Machakos.
The Cabinet Secretary further evaluated opposition figures like Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. According to Duale, Sifuna's political reach is largely limited to Bungoma, while Kalonzo has stronger support in Kitui, Makueni, and Machakos.
These statements represent Duale's perception of the current political climate rather than confirmed metrics of voter support.
As political parties and new movements prepare for the 2027 election, Sifuna has been linked to the Linda Mwananchi movement, which has organized political events across the country in recent months.
With the election on the horizon, discussions surrounding political alliances, voter registration, regional mobilization, and campaign strategies are expected to dominate Kenya's political discourse.
As political parties and new movements prepare for the 2027 election, Sifuna has been linked to the Linda Mwananchi movement, which has organized political events across the country in recent months.
With the election on the horizon, discussions surrounding political alliances, voter registration, regional mobilization, and campaign strategies are expected to dominate Kenya's political discourse.
