This archive report was first published on 30 July 2019.
Ekuru Aukot: Kenya's 21st Century Attention Seeker ¶
January 14, 2018, marked a significant day for Ekuru Aukot, a man who would later become infamous for his opportunistic nature and self-serving actions. In a statement that would later prove prophetic, one public intellectual noted, “Before one dates someone, they should examine how that person was brought up. People with a history of being raised through survival and not love may not care about their partners; leave alone know how to love,” highlighting the importance of understanding an individual's upbringing in shaping their character.
Ekuru Aukot's background is a stark reminder of the challenges he faced growing up among 27 siblings in the arid lands of Turkana County. His upbringing, marked by survival rather than love, has been cited as a contributing factor to his self-serving actions. Aukot's Third Way Alliance seemed promising, with young Kenyans viewing him as a potential savior who could break the cycle of political dynasties.
However, Aukot's actions during the 2017 August 8th presidential elections raised eyebrows. After congratulating the winner, Uhuru Kenyatta, and giving the process a clean bill of health, Aukot disappeared from the scene. His resurfacing during Raila Odinga's presidential election petition at the Supreme Court of Kenya, where he sought to join the petition and criticize the electoral process, was met with skepticism. Many saw this as a clear indication of his opportunistic nature and willingness to switch sides for personal gain.
Aukot's inconsistencies became more apparent as he demanded live coverage for every little thing he did, seeking to capitalize on his 15 minutes of fame. His declaration of himself as the official leader of the opposition after the fake repeat poll, despite his party winning no seats, was met with ridicule. His claim to form a cabinet to keep Kenyatta's government in check was seen as a joke, with many questioning his true intentions and character.
Some have speculated that Aukot's actions are motivated by financial gain, with the Jubilee government known to pay critics like him to drop their court petitions. The blogger Abraham Mutai was offered KShs. 7 Million to drop his case, leading many to wonder if Aukot is in it for the money. His pretender and impostor status as a political savior has been called into question, with many urging him to be tolerated no more.
