This archive report was first published on 15 July 2020.
July 15, 2020, marked a significant day in the complex web of relationships between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy President William Ruto. According to sources, Uhuru has consistently shielded Ruto from the claws of multi-state agencies involved in fighting economic graft and other crimes.
Uhuru's actions have been met with both praise and criticism, with some of Ruto's supporters accusing the president of abandoning his deputy and betraying him. However, the president's office has maintained that Uhuru's actions are aimed at protecting Ruto from unnecessary harassment and ensuring that he is not unfairly targeted by the agencies.
One of the key allegations against Ruto is his involvement in corruption scandals, which have been extensively investigated by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. However, Uhuru has refused to allow the detectives to summon Ruto to record statements, citing the potential political ramifications of such a move.
Furthermore, Ruto's recent outbursts, including his claims that three cabinet secretaries and principal secretaries from Mount Kenya region had hatched a plot to kill him, have raised concerns about his mental stability and ability to lead the country. Uhuru's decision to exclude Ruto from a critical meeting of top government officials has been seen as a deliberate attempt to sideline him and reduce his influence in the government.
Insiders claim that Uhuru's efforts to neutralize Ruto began when he removed the glamour at the DP's Harambee Annex by designating The Presidency into Executive Office of the President. This move effectively reduced Ruto's role in running the government and created a new function at State House, that of a parliamentary liaison, which became the new bridge between the executive and parliament.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Uhuru's actions will impact Ruto's future in the government and the country at large.
