This archive report was first published on 22 July 2019.
Published on July 22, 2019, a tumultuous time in Kenyan politics, the 'Marine Vessel Handshake' – a ship representing the Jubilee party – was on the verge of setting sail for the 2022 elections. However, its progress was hindered by an internal power struggle between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy, William Ruto.
At the center of this drama was Raphael Tuju, a seasoned politician and former Jubilee party boss, who had played a crucial role in shaping the party's agenda. However, his fortunes began to dwindle as he found himself at odds with Ruto's faction within the party.
The situation took a turn for the worse when Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister, attempted to maneuver himself into the position of Uhuru's successor in 2022. Tuju, who had previously been an enemy of Raila, was now instrumental in selling this plan to Central Kenya, a region where Raila was not well-liked.
As the stakes grew higher, Tuju's position became increasingly precarious. If Raila succeeded in becoming Uhuru's successor, Tuju would likely be ostracized by the new regime. On the other hand, if Raila's Central Kenya adventure failed, Ruto or Governor Waiguru might emerge as the new president, leaving Tuju to face the consequences.
With no clear path to success, Tuju's fate seemed sealed. As the MV Handshake prepared to set sail, it was clear that Raphael Tuju's star was fading, and he was about to sink and drown in the treacherous waters of Kenyan politics.
