Senior advisor compares upcoming election to 2002's historic consensus moment

President William Ruto’s senior economic advisor Moses Kuria believes the 2027 presidential election won’t be a traditional political battle. Instead, he predicts a broad national consensus, similar to what happened in 2002, when opposition leaders united behind Mwai Kibaki and ended KANU’s decades-long rule.

Speaking on Citizen TV on June 22, Kuria made it clear:
“Let me shock you,” he said. “Some people are training for a football match that won’t happen.”

A Moment Like 2002?

Kuria said Kenya is headed for a moment of political unity, not division.
“2027 will be like 2002. There will be no presidential election—there will be a consensus,” he claimed.

In 2002, the opposition came together under the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), handing Kibaki a landslide win. Kuria thinks that same spirit is likely to guide the next election.

He brushed off comparisons to the more intense contests of 2013 and 2017, saying the country needs cooperation, not confrontation.
“There’s not going to be that kind of presidential contest,” he said. “Some people are preparing for a football match, but it’ll be a tennis match.”

Consensus to Save the Country

Kuria warned that political chaos could threaten the nation.
“We have two options,” he said. “Go out one day and destroy the nation, or let’s agree. Let there be honour among men and women.”

His remarks come amid growing concerns over political tensions and the high cost of elections, both financially and socially.

Still Eyeing the Top Job

Despite his push for unity, Kuria reaffirmed his ambition to run for president in 2027. He said he enjoys national appeal beyond his home turf and can draw crowds anywhere in Kenya.

“I can do a rally in any part of this country without the local MP,” he said. “I’m a villager in every part of the country—Garissa, Wajir, wherever.”

What It All Means

While Kuria’s remarks are bold, it’s too early to tell whether Kenya’s political class will embrace consensus over competition. The 2002 election was a rare moment of alignment. Whether that can happen again in today’s deeply divided political space remains to be seen.