Busia Governor Paul Otuoma has dismissed opposition hopes of unseating President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election, declaring that the Head of State’s re-election bid is gaining unstoppable momentum on the back of his national development record.

Speaking on Saturday during a boda boda empowerment programme at the NYS Osasame grounds in Teso North Sub-County, Dr Otuoma said President Ruto’s “Tano Tena” re-election narrative is steadily becoming a reality, with Busia County emerging as a major beneficiary of national government projects.

The governor noted that while Busia residents had traditionally voted overwhelmingly for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the political landscape shifted fundamentally after Mr Odinga entered a working arrangement with President Ruto, culminating in the formation of the broad-based government.

“Before exiting active opposition politics, Raila brokered a truce that birthed the broad-based government, absorbing key allies into the national administration. Under this framework, we are traversing the country to explain why Ruto remains the sure bet for 2027, despite opposition rhetoric,” Dr Otuoma said.

He argued that while other elective seats remain open for competition, the presidency is effectively sealed.

“Other seats are open to any candidate who meets the constitutional threshold and can convince voters of their delivery. But for the presidency, even the opposition knows Ruto’s march back to State House in 2027 is unstoppable,” he added.

To back his assertions, the governor cited multi-million shilling infrastructure projects earmarked or ongoing in Busia, including the upgrading of the Busia–Malaba, Malaba–Kakemer, and Butula–Nambale–Amukura–Kocholia roads, alongside the construction of a modern stadium at the Busia Town Agricultural Training Centre.

Dr Otuoma also announced a similar socio-economic empowerment rollout targeting women from Funyula Constituency, scheduled for June 13.

The Teso North event also featured a major uplift for local gospel artist Joseph Isogol, who has mobility challenges. President Ruto’s long-serving aide, Farouk Kibet, pledged a Toyota Probox vehicle to support the musician’s transport logistics.

“I am a great fan of Isogol, especially his song ‘Eyalama Papa Edeke Ekirori Kon Kituroi’ (Thank You God, Your Name Be Praised),” Mr Kibet said, promising the vehicle’s delivery by Monday.