This archive report was first published on 3 July 2020.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto have publicly diverged in their agendas, amidst a ruthless purge in the Jubilee Party. The rift between the two leaders has been escalating, with each pursuing their own interests.
On July 2, 2020, Deputy President William Ruto took to Twitter to announce the distribution of equipment to 30 youth and women groups in Nairobi County. The move was seen as an attempt to advance his 2022 political agenda.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, on the other hand, was in KICC meeting with state officials to discuss development projects. The President's focus on development projects has been seen as a departure from the Deputy President's emphasis on political mobilization.
Speaking during the national roll out of the Kazi Mtaani programme, President Uhuru Kenyatta emphasized that the initiative would be free from political interference. He stated, 'The program will be free of any political interference. It'll not be a process which politicians will use to get votes.'
The President also announced that the national roll out of the youth employment initiative would start on Monday next week, following a successful pilot phase in eight counties.
Deputy President William Ruto's move to distribute equipment to youth and women groups has been seen as a challenge to the President's authority. The rift between the two leaders is likely to escalate, with implications for the Jubilee Party and the country's politics.
