Journalist and Nyakach parliamentary aspirant Trevor Ombija has publicly declared his support for President William Ruto’s re-election bid, joining the growing list of Kenyans rallying behind the administration’s “TUTAM” campaign ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Ombija made his position known on TikTok on Sunday, September 13, 2026, as President Ruto began his development tour of the Nyanza region.
In a post welcoming the president to Nyanza, Ombija expressed his affection for Ruto while openly identifying with the TUTAM movement.
His TikTok post carried the message:
“President Ruto’s Nyanza tour. President Ruto karibu Nyanza, tunakupenda. TUTAM siku zote. Jeshi ya rais.”
The declaration marked a notable moment for Ombija, who is seeking to transition from journalism into elective politics by contesting the Nyakach parliamentary seat.
Ombija praises Ruto over road project
Beyond the social-media declaration, Ombija also spoke about infrastructure development in his home area, particularly a major highway that he said had remained neglected for decades.
According to Ombija, residents had endured serious challenges on the road, including prolonged traffic jams.
He recalled one particularly difficult experience when he said he was forced to spend Christmas on the road after traffic brought movement to a standstill.
“I remember sleeping on that road during the Christmas holiday because of heavy traffic,” Ombija stated.
The journalist argued that the situation had changed following the commencement of construction under the Ruto administration.
“For 60 years, no one constructed this highway. It is President Ruto who is doing it now,” he said.
“But now it’s under construction,” he added.
Ombija subsequently appealed to Kenyans to give Ruto more time to implement his agenda, urging voters to support the president for a second term.
“Let’s give Ruto another term, please,” he said.
TUTAM gains momentum ahead of 2027
Ombija’s declaration comes as TUTAM has increasingly become one of the political slogans associated with Ruto’s supporters as Kenya moves closer to the 2027 elections.
The term “TUTAM” is political shorthand for “two terms” and is used by Ruto supporters to campaign for his re-election.
It has emerged as a counter-slogan to “WANTAM”, which is used by opponents calling for the president to serve only one term.
The movement has also developed an organised online platform presenting itself as a citizen initiative focused on government projects and the re-election of leaders who supporters believe have delivered for their constituents.
Its platform highlights programmes including affordable housing, the Social Health Authority, roads, markets and schools, while also allowing registered voters to nominate leaders seeking re-election in 2027.
The TUTAM message has consequently become an increasingly visible feature of political mobilisation as politicians and supporters position themselves ahead of the 2027 contest.
Ruto’s Nyanza tour
Ombija’s endorsement coincided with Ruto’s multi-day development tour of Nyanza, a region that has traditionally been viewed as an opposition stronghold.
The president began the tour on September 13, 2026, with engagements in Kisumu before proceeding to other counties in the region.
The opening programme included an interdenominational church service near Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu and a consultative meeting at Kisumu State Lodge involving thousands of regional delegates and local leaders.
The tour has provided Ruto with an opportunity to showcase government projects while seeking to strengthen his administration’s political presence in a region where his support has historically been limited.
The growing visibility of TUTAM supporters in Nyanza therefore adds another layer to the political contest ahead of 2027.
Ombija’s political transition
Ombija’s latest declaration is also significant because of his decision to move from journalism into active politics.
As he campaigns for the Nyakach parliamentary seat, his public support for the president places his political ambitions within the wider realignment taking place ahead of the next General Election.
His decision comes at a time when Kenya’s political landscape is increasingly characterised by shifting alliances, new movements and attempts by both government and opposition camps to consolidate grassroots support.
For Ombija, however, his latest message is anchored on what he describes as visible development, particularly the construction of a road he says residents had waited decades to see addressed.
His appeal to voters is therefore straightforward: give Ruto another opportunity to complete his agenda.
Whether that message resonates with voters in Nyakach and the wider Nyanza region will become clearer as the 2027 election approaches.
The article above keeps Ombija’s TikTok wording and direct statements while providing broader political context around TUTAM, Ruto’s Nyanza tour and the 2027 contest.
FOLLOW NAIROBI NEWS ON FACEBOOK
If you like our work, you can buy us a soda
Buy us a soda 🥤
