This archive report was first published on 3 August 2019.
Published on August 3, 2019, Deputy President William Ruto's recent remarks in Bomet suggest a shift in his stance towards Raila Odinga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Speaking at the funeral service of Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso, Ruto expressed his willingness to work with Odinga under the leadership of President Uhuru Kenyatta, stating, 'I would like to tell my brother Prime Minister Raila Odinga, I assure you we are going to work together under the leadership of President Uhuru Kenyatta to ensure the country is united.'
Over the past few months, Ruto has grown increasingly isolated in government, with both the president and cabinet members distancing themselves from him. In contrast, Cabinet Secretaries have been drawn closer to Odinga, who is not a member of the government. This development has reportedly rattled Ruto and his allies.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's anti-corruption drive, supported by Odinga, has been a major point of contention for Ruto. He has claimed that the anti-graft crusade is targeted at him, with the aim of muddying his name ahead of the 2022 elections. The recent arrest and charging of Finance CS Henry Rotich with corruption has further strained Ruto's relationship with the government.
With his approval of the handshake between President Kenyatta and Odinga, Ruto appears to be adopting a more conciliatory approach, potentially to avoid further isolation and a widening of the conflict. Whether this shift is a genuine change of heart or a tactical move remains to be seen.
