Ruto expands grassroots machine with elders, chiefs in 2027 drive
Kenyan President William Ruto is strengthening his political base ahead of the 2027 election by providing stipends, smartphones, and health insurance to village elders. These grassroots leaders are being encouraged to promote the government's development agenda.
Why it matters
The strategy demonstrates how political incumbents utilize state resources and local administrative networks to consolidate power and influence public opinion in rural areas.
President William Ruto, during a meeting with village elders at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday /HANDOUT
President William Ruto has intensified efforts to widen his grassroots support ahead of the election.
In the latest move, he hosted more than 10,000 village elders at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, where he unveiled a package of incentives in a bid to woo them.
The President unveiled a Sh3,000 monthly stipend, smartphones, health insurance and training for the village elders, crucial for shaping narrative and opinion in the villages.
"Are you ready? We start from here (Sh3,000) and when we cross the next election, we will push it even higher," he told the cheering crowd as he linked better benefits to his political future.
“For that, what do you say?” he asked as the crowd responded, “Tutam”.
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