This archive report was first published on 14 July 2019.
Published on July 14, 2019, The Standard reported that Deputy President William Ruto's past support for Raila Odinga's candidature in the 2007 General Election has raised questions about his current stance on the ODM leader's presidential bid.
As a member of the Pentagon, the top decision-making organ of ODM, Ruto was a key campaigner for Raila's candidature in the 2007 General Election. He believed Raila enjoyed the support of the majority of Kenyans and was poised to form the new government.
However, Ruto's current stance on Raila's candidature is vastly different. He has dismissed Raila and President Uhuru Kenyatta as being from political dynasties, and has accused Raila of being the 'lord of poverty.'
But what has changed since 2007? Ruto's support for Raila's candidature in 2007 was based on his belief that Raila was the only leader who could free Kenyans from the bondage of corruption, oppression, and dictatorship.
It is worth noting that Ruto has also supported the candidature of Uhuru Kenyatta in multiple elections, including 2002, 2013, and 2017.
My understanding of leadership is that it does not matter whether the candidate hails from a poor or rich family. What matters is whether the candidate meets the constitutional threshold of integrity and moral standing.
