President William Ruto has exuded confidence that he will be re-elected in next year’s General Election.

Speaking on June 29, 2026, during the 60th anniversary celebrations at Burieruri High School in Meru County, the Head of State sent a clear, uncompromising warning to his political rivals as the country begins its transition into a critical election cycle.

Ruto boldly declared that the opposition will “see dust” – using the exact phrase “We will show them dust” – when voters cast their ballots in the highly anticipated polls next year. He went further, dismissing his detractors as “very stupid” and “below par”, and promising that they would be defeated “at breakfast time” on election day.

The President’s remarks signal an assertive, early launch of his re-election bid, setting a highly defiant tone for both his loyal supporters and his political detractors. He also took aim at critics of his nationwide tours, stating: “I am not a king. I am an employee of the people of Kenya. I don’t need anyone’s permission to travel.”

In a direct pitch to the Mt Kenya region, Ruto endorsed his Deputy, Kithure Kindiki, suggesting he would outperform his predecessors when his time comes.

By expressing such absolute confidence, the Head of State is also looking toward the immediate political test ahead: the Ol-Kalou parliamentary by-election scheduled for July 16, 2026, which political analysts view as a critical litmus test for the ruling UDA party’s grip on the region ahead of the 2027 showdown