Kigumo MP slams People Daily over ‘false’ Ruto 2027 claim

By Newsflash Reporter

Kigumo MP Joseph Munyoro has accused the People Daily newspaper of falsely associating him with a group of Mt Kenya legislators allegedly mobilising support for President William Ruto’s re-election ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In its Wednesday, January 21 cover story titled “Inside Ruto’s strategy to woo back Mt Kenya,” the newspaper listed Munyoro as one of the MPs allegedly enlisted in President Ruto’s team to drum up support for his 2027 re-election bid in the region.

Munyoro has been a close ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The lawmaker has dismissed the claims as inaccurate and misleading, saying they misrepresent his political position and prematurely drag him into succession politics.

Through Ndegwa and Ndegwa Advocates, Munyoro has formally protested the publication, terming it defamatory and a breach of basic journalistic standards.

**Disputed People Daily report**

Munyoro said he was shocked to see his name included in the report, insisting that he has neither attended meetings nor participated in any political activities aimed at campaigning for the President’s second term.

“I categorically deny being part of any group of Mt Kenya MPs mobilising support for President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027,” Munyoro said, adding that the claims were false, misleading and unsupported by facts.

The Kigumo MP said his focus remains firmly on development and service delivery in his constituency, rather than engaging in early political campaigns. He warned that premature politicking risks diverting leaders from addressing urgent issues such as the high cost of living, unemployment and deteriorating public services.

According to Munyoro, leaders from the Mt Kenya region hold diverse political views and should not be lumped together or portrayed as speaking with one voice on the 2027 succession debate.

“Being cooperative with the government on development matters should not be twisted into early campaign politics,” he said.

Demands retraction

Munyoro has now demanded an immediate retraction and clarification from People Daily, accusing the newspaper of failing to seek his comment before publishing the story.

He argued that the omission amounted to irresponsible journalism and exposed him to unnecessary political backlash.

The MP urged media houses to uphold accuracy, balance and fairness when reporting on sensitive political issues, warning that misreporting risks eroding public trust in the press.

As debate around the 2027 General Election gradually gains momentum, Munyoro called on the media and political actors alike to prioritise factual reporting, national unity and development over speculative political narratives.