In a commentary published on 21 November 2018, the writer launches a blistering attack on Deputy President William Ruto, his political allies and his economic messaging, tying the debate to the 2022 succession race.
The piece argues that Ruto relies on loyal supporters across the Rift Valley and beyond to sustain his ambitions, and it singles out politicians described as “pest politicians,” “guns for hire” and “empty debes” for keeping his campaign energy alive. The author says those allies help him defend himself politically while ignoring the damage they allegedly enable.
The article then shifts to maize and avocado politics. It claims Ruto and some unnamed politicians were scrambling for resources to finance “high octane campaigns for presidency,” and alleges that corruption was being squeezed, forcing him to turn to his supporters. The writer says Ruto had gone to Congo, bought large parcels of land and planted maize there, then returned to urge farmers not to continue with maize and instead plant avocados for the Chinese market.
According to the commentary, that message was meant to position Ruto as the main maize supplier while his allies made money from government-linked dealings. It also alleges that he supplies fertilizer to his people under “very unfriendly conditions” and imports bad maize from “Mexico” at a high cost, leaving local farmers with losses.
The writer further claims Ruto has the power to push maize prices to Kshs. 3,200 and above, which farmers were said to be requesting. The article closes by warning Kalenjin supporters that backing him in politics could leave them exposed to the consequences of his leadership.
The archive item is written as opinion and contains harsh political accusations, insults and predictions rather than verified reporting. Its central themes are Ruto’s 2022 presidential ambitions, the loyalty of his base, and the dispute over maize policy and farmer pricing.
