The gathering, which had begun as a development-focused address, shifted sharply into politics when Ruto appeared to mock his rivals over their defeat, telling the crowd that those challenging his leadership were sinking themselves through disorganization and constant quarrels.
Ruto told the audience that those he described as loud critics lacked a serious plan and were clinging to what he called shallow politics.
He added that if they continued on the same path, they would be swept away early and decisively. His remarks sparked an immediate reaction from the crowd, which broke into energetic chants.
The repeated shout of “Tutam!” – a phrase the supporters used to signal confidence in a second term – drowned out the President mid-speech, forcing him to pause.
Security officers and aides watched as the chanting grew louder, with hundreds waving small national flags while others raised their hands in unison.
The moment stretched on long enough that Ruto stepped back from the microphone until the excitement settled.
When he resumed, he urged the public to remain focused on development, arguing that the government’s investments in roads, agriculture, and small enterprises would outlive political drama.
However, he did not entirely step away from the subject of the by-elections, noting that the results were a reflection of what he called a renewed mandate from the people.
Ruto closed his address by appealing for calm and cooperation, saying that Kenya’s progress depended on decisions grounded in stability and clarity of purpose.
But it was clear from the crowd’s reaction that the political aftermath of the by-elections remains a dominant conversation among his supporters.
