This archive report was first published on 30 October 2019.
Deputy President William Ruto's penchant for turning critics into allies has been a recurring theme in Kenyan politics. One such example is his relationship with former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale, who has been acting as a blogger and a persistent irritant to top Luhya political leadership.
According to sources, Ruto gifted Khalwale a Nissan Patrol luxury vehicle and a Sh1 million monthly retainer in exchange for his loyalty and brinkmanship ahead of the 2022 transition.
Francis Atwoli, the COTU boss, has warned Western Kenya politicians, especially those touted as Pro-Ruto, to either join him in the Building Bridges Initiative or risk being sent to political Siberia.
Atwoli made the remarks during the funeral of the late Thika High School teacher Emmanuel Wenyusia in Bungoma county, where he claimed that Ruto had no respect for the Luhya people.
“I have some text messages attributed to the DP talking ill of us and those supporting him must re-think about their political destiny,” Atwoli claimed.
