- President William Ruto attacked former Public Service Minister Justin Muturi after the UDA won the by-election in Evurore Ward
- UDA candidate Duncan Muratia got 7,853 votes against Albert Kigoro of the Democratic Party and an independent candidate, giving Muturi a symbolic victory
- Ruto questioned Muturi’s political ability, saying the defeat in his own polling station undermined his claim to mount a serious national challenge.
President William Ruto has verbally attacked the former Public Service Minister Justin Muturi after the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party won in his home ward.
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The victory in Evurore Ward, located in Mbeere North, has intensified the debate ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the vote serving as an important test for Kenya First and the Opposition.
How did Ruto surprise Muturi?
Muturi, a resident of Evurore Ward and a registered voter at Kanyuambora Primary School, watched the candidate for UDA Duncan Muratia emerging as the winner.
Muratia got 7,853 votes, defeating Albert Kigoro of the Democratic Party (DP), who got 1,940 votes. Independent candidate Johson Mate ranked third with 1,753 votes.
The result dealt a major blow to Muturi’s political standing in his backyard, prompting criticism of Ruto to the former speaker of the National Assembly.
During a visit to inspect construction progress at the Bomas International Convention Center on Friday, February 27, Ruto used the findings to question the influence of the former minister.
He questioned how he could claim national appeal and struggled to counter him but failed to win at their polling station with direct criticism.
“So I ask, someone is still boasting that, pretending to be the leader of the opposition, and you lose in your polling station, how can you say you will come to compete with me? Where will you compete with me? In your polling station…you have no support,” Ruto said.
What is Ruto’s message to the Opposition?
Ruto’s allies have said that the victory shows public approval of government policies and development projects.
They point to record wins in previous by-elections, including the November by-polls where Kenya First and the broad coalition won a majority of seats.
“About two or three months ago, there were by-elections, and the broad side won seven out of seven seats in the National Assembly and the Senate. Yesterday, there were other by-elections, and four out of four, those people lost again,” he said.
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The head of state referred to the results during his speech, noting that the coalition did well in several counties.
Ruto described the victory of the UDA party in the recent by-polls as a sign of confidence in his government.
“From Kakamega, we defeated them, then we went to Isiolo and defeated them, and then Embu and defeated them. Now I think we should plan our work and move forward. Let’s leave these people behind; they are just wasting our time. What do you say?” the president asked.
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