Teso Leaders Declare Support for Ruto’s 2027 Re-Election Bid

Teso community leaders from Busia County have declared their support for President William Ruto’s bid for a second term, signalling increased political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The declaration was made on Saturday, August 29, 2026, during a meeting between President Ruto and grassroots leaders from the Teso community at State Lodge, Eldoret.

Teso North MP Oku Kaunya said the community had resolved to work with the President and participate in the Government’s development agenda.

“We have chosen unity; we have chosen partnership, we have chosen to participate in building Kenya with Your Excellency,” Kaunya said.

Teso South MP Mary Emase also expressed support for Ruto, citing development projects undertaken by the Government in the region.

Kaunya said the Teso community had previously faced challenges in advancing a common agenda due to divisions among clans, leaders and institutions.

He said the leadership had now resolved to put those differences aside and organise around shared interests and development priorities.

The leaders cited infrastructure and economic development projects among the reasons for their decision to work with the national government.

Projects highlighted during the meeting included the planned tarmacking of the Butula-Nambale-Amukura-Kocholia Road, the proposed Malaba-Kimwanga highway, a dry port, an Export Processing Zone and a possible Standard Gauge Railway connection.

President Ruto, meanwhile, urged Kenyans to reject what he described as divisive politics, saying the 2027 election should focus on development, service delivery and policy issues.

The President also reiterated his call for national unity, arguing that political leaders should concentrate on issues affecting citizens rather than ethnic mobilisation.

The endorsement adds to Ruto’s ongoing efforts to strengthen political networks across the country ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.

However, the extent to which the declaration by community leaders translates into broader grassroots support will become clearer as political activity and campaigns intensify ahead of the election.