President William Ruto has hinted at selecting a woman as his running mate in the 2027 elections, signaling a potential shift in political dynamics.

The Head of State made these remarks during the launch of the G7 strategy meeting for the Council of Governors (COG) Women Governors Caucus in Nairobi on March 7, 2024. The gathering aims to bolster women's participation in politics, aligning with Kenyan laws advocating for gender equality.

Ruto, who leads the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, emphasized the need to lead by example in empowering women within political spheres. He highlighted the leadership of Cecil Mbarire as a testament to UDA's commitment to gender inclusivity and hinted at future collaborations with Riggy G (Rigathi Gachagua) to promote gender parity in party leadership and presidential tickets.

"I invite you to collaborate with us to break down all barriers to women’s political participation, counter negative gender stereotypes, and chip away at social norms that block women from participating across a huge range of sectors," Ruto stated, signaling a commitment to advancing gender equality in politics.

Ruto's comments have ignited debates on the political landscape, especially considering the eligibility of his current Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, to seek re-election in 2027. Despite facing challenges, including legal issues and opposition, the Ruto-Gachagua partnership secured victory in the 2022 polls, defeating opponents such as Raila Odinga and Martha Karua.

While speculation swirls about potential running mates for Ruto in 2027, including figures like Kithure Kindiki, Musalia Mudavadi, and Ndindi Nyoro, Ruto's remarks underscore a growing recognition of the importance of women's representation in Kenya's political leadership.

With neighboring countries like Tanzania and Uganda already boasting women in top leadership positions, Ruto's hint at a woman deputy president marks a significant step towards gender equality in Kenya's political landscape, where women have historically been underrepresented in executive roles.