Junet Assures Ruto of Somali Support, Says Community Will Shape 2027 Elections

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has thrown his weight behind President William Ruto, assuring him of unwavering support from the Somali community as the country edges closer to the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Saturday during a fundraiser for Islamic institutions in Mandera County, Junet said the Somali community has been instrumental in Kenya’s economic growth and will be a decisive voting bloc in the next polls.

“In our country, people have different opinions. One of the problems you are facing is that you are working with this community. There are people who are not happy with your relationship with the Somali community, Mr President. But the Somali people are hardworking, business-minded, and contribute significantly to the GDP,” Junet told Ruto.

He added that the political weight of the Somali electorate would play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the 2027 election.

“The Somali community is strong, and from what I am seeing, in 2027, their numbers will determine the coming elections,” Junet said, urging the President to ignore critics questioning his close ties with the community.

Junet further pledged that the Somali community would rally behind Ruto’s administration to ensure its development agenda is fulfilled before the next election.

“The way things are moving, we shall reach 2027 together, God-willing,” he declared.

President Ruto, who attended the fundraiser, emphasized the central role of education in unlocking opportunity and equality.

“The more education is made accessible to our children, the more empowered, equal and prosperous we become. We applaud the Eltabashi Educational Trust’s dedication to supporting vulnerable children in Northern Kenya to access education,” Ruto said.

The event brought together Somali leaders, scholars, and community members in support of education and empowerment initiatives.

Junet’s remarks echo sentiments he made last month, where he described the 2027 elections as both a poll and a referendum on Kenya’s political culture. He argued that the era of exclusionary politics and entitlement to leadership would end with the next vote.

“This coming election will determine, once and for all, the politics of locking some people out and allowing others in. The politics of saying so-and-so is not fit to be president will end in 2027,” Junet said in August.

His open endorsement of President Ruto marks a significant political shift for the outspoken legislator, who was once a key ally of opposition leader Raila Odinga.