“If Ruto Loses, Don’t Come Back”: UoE Lecturer’s Remarks Spark Outcry

Eldoret, Kenya | September 25, 2026

A University of Eldoret lecturer has come under scrutiny after a video emerged showing him making political remarks during a classroom session and discussing President William Ruto's prospects in the 2027 General Election.

In the footage circulating online, the lecturer is heard challenging students who referred to Ruto as a possible one-term president, telling them that those who held that view should not return to the university if the President failed to secure a second term. He is also heard insisting that Ruto would win re-election and serve another term.

The lecturer also appeared to direct some of his remarks along regional lines, suggesting that students from Mount Kenya could attend universities in that region, while those from Western Kenya could similarly study at institutions in their home region if Ruto lost the election.

He further defended Ruto's record in office, comparing the President's performance with that of former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta while questioning why the current administration was facing expectations of serving only one term.

The video has generated criticism online, with some Kenyans questioning whether political remarks of this nature are appropriate in a classroom and raising concerns about the potential effect of political and regional rhetoric on students. Other reactions offered a more cautious interpretation of the exchange, suggesting that the remarks may have formed part of an informal classroom discussion.

The incident comes as political activity intensifies ahead of Kenya's 2027 General Election, with President Ruto eligible to seek a second term and political parties and movements organising ahead of the polls.

The episode has also renewed discussion about the role of universities as spaces for political debate and the boundaries surrounding political expression when lecturers interact with students on elections and political leadership.

The University of Eldoret had not issued an official statement concerning the video at the time of reporting. It was therefore unclear whether the institution intended to investigate the remarks or take any action against the lecturer.

The identity of the lecturer had also not been independently established in the reports reviewed, and there was no independent finding that his remarks had breached university regulations.

The video continues to attract attention as questions remain over the boundaries between political expression, classroom discussion and the responsibilities of academic staff in institutions of higher learning.