Maalim said that for the first time in almost 40 years of his long political life, he is backing a sitting president. He also said there is a very good reason why he is supporting him and it is not something small.
Maalim talked about his long career in politics and said he has seen many presidents come and go. He mentioned former presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta.
He said that none of these leaders did what President Ruto is doing now. According to him, this is why he decided to support Ruto openly this time.
He also talked about how he and his people have now “searched” or looked for something in State House for the second time, using his words in Swahili: “Alifuturu na sisi Mombasa siku ile ingine na mashallah this is the second time sisi tunafuturu katika State House.”
He said this to show how Ruto is different from past presidents. Maalim said that Ruto is bringing action and change that other presidents did not bring before, and that is why people are happy with him.
Maalim said the president has done things that other leaders never managed to do during their time. He said this shows that supporting Ruto is the right thing to do.
His words show that even experienced politicians who have been independent for many years are now openly supporting the current president.
Many political watchers now say Maalim’s statement can influence other leaders and voters, especially in the coast region where his voice is very strong.
People are watching closely to see if more senior politicians will now come out and openly say they support the president.
His declaration is also making many people talk, especially opposition leaders and their supporters, because it is not normal for someone with such a long career to support a sitting president openly.
This shows that politics in Kenya is changing and that President Ruto is getting support from even the most experienced politicians who before kept quiet.