This archive report was first published on 22 June 2020.
Dramatic collapse of William Ruto’s political empire ¶
Deputy President William Ruto's political fortunes have taken a dramatic turn for the worse, with his allies being ousted from key positions and his network of supporters disintegrating.
Just two months ago, Ruto's political empire seemed invincible, but a series of events has led to its collapse. The first two months of 2020 saw Ruto publicly exhibit unprecedented aggression towards President Uhuru Kenyatta and the system he accused of working overtime to block his ascension to the presidency.
However, the tables have turned, and Ruto's allies have been ousted from key positions. Aden Duale was dethroned as the National Assembly Majority Leader, and Kipipiri MP Amos Kimunya was appointed in his place. This move has given President Kenyatta full control of the House.
Furthermore, Ruto's allies have been ousted from the Senate's leadership and all committees in both houses. The list of those jumping ship continues to swell, with many of Ruto's foot soldiers in Tanga Tanga openly denouncing his camp and vowing to support President Kenyatta and his Government in fulfilling the Jubilee Party promises to Kenyans.
One of the most symbolic moves yet was made by Mandera Governor Ali Roba and Senator Mahamud Mohamed, who led more than 30 local elected and nominated MPs and MCAs from the region in shifting their support to President Kenyatta and his partnership with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Waruguru's former Mt Kenya peers in Tanga Tanga, among them Kimani Ngunjiri, Ndindi Nyoro, Kimani Ichung'wa, and Alice Wahome, have gone uncharacteristically quiet. Across the counties countrywide, no single Governor is openly supporting Ruto today. Those who were at some point rallying behind his presidential bid have all shifted their allegiance or gone silent.
According to Waruguru, Ruto owes over 10 million Jubilee supporters an apology for going behind President Kenyatta's back and opening a parallel party office. She further accused Ruto of running a parallel government to undermine the President.
It is clear that Ruto's dwindling fortunes can be attributed to a shift in the country's political architecture. Political realignments are mainly informed by an analysis of the side politicians feel will guarantee them political survival.
From January 2018 to early this year, that side appeared to be Ruto's. However, Kenyatta's unforeseen flexing of muscles to restore order in Jubilee Party while hitting the rebels, including Ruto, hard has made many politicians rethink their dalliance with the second in command.
It has become all too obvious to them that while he will not be seeking re-election as President, Kenyatta is a political force to be reckoned with in 2022 and beyond. Those who had gone to the extent of publicly attacking him have suddenly realized their folly in believing that Ruto is the man to beat come the next elections.
