President William Ruto has brushed aside social media critics, saying Kenyans will decide the winner of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking in Kaptumo, Aldai Constituency, Nandi County, on Monday, October 12, 2026, Ruto questioned the relevance of online commentators, saying the opinions expressed on digital platforms will not influence the outcome of the presidential election.

“Kenyans, are you ready? Aren’t you the ones who will mark the exam? Aren’t you the ones who will decide?” Ruto asked.

The President urged the social media pundits to deliver a political manifesto to voters instead of throwing personal opinions on matters pertaining his governance.

“As for the others, find another agenda. Making a lot of noise and calling me a thug will not help you,” Ruto said. “I am ready to stand before Kenyans and show them what I have been doing so that they can give me another chance.”

On the issues affecting the citizens, the President claimed to have delivered on his manifestos of free education, universal health coverage and infrastructure development.

The President’s speech comes as the political campaign for the August 2027 General Election ramps up, with his economic management, cost of living and jobs likely to be at the centre of the debate. Ruto’s tour of the North Rift to open discussions on the proposed development agenda in these counties, as the President is set to seek a second term in office.

According to Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), the President’s security details, together with his media managers, will cover Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Baringo, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Trans Nzoia and West Pokot during his four-day working tour.

In Nandi County, the President will inspect road projects, commission modernised markets, electricity connections and take a look at the Kaptumo Affordable Housing Project. The tour will enable Ruto to unveil his agenda forKenya while on the campaign trail for the 2027 election.

The President’s verbal spar with social media critics has exposed the extent to which the online platform has become a barometer for many Kenyans who demand accountability from those in power.

Last April, Ruto warned against believing everything that is not in the public domain, especially by Kenyans living overseas.

“If you go to social media today, you’ll think there is nothing good happening in Kenya,” the President said in a speech released on the official website of the office.

While the President has chosen to confront the opinion leaders on the digital space, it remains to be seen whether Ruto will win the trust of many voters ahead of the 2027 polls. However, his determination to face audiences and use forums to woo voters is a sure way of throwing the political race into an open arena.