Uhuru tells of Ruto in Gikuyu

 In ancient times, when kings ruled much of the world, the slightest anger from a monarch could strike fear into anyone. People would tremble, sweat, and perhaps even lose control of their bodily functions. Why? Because the wrath of a king often meant death, a fate easily delivered with just a snap of his fingers.

Fast forward to modern times, even in democratic systems—or their pretenses—it is still unwise to provoke the head of state. A clear example of this is the recent experience of 34-year-old Kiharu legislator Ndindi Nyoro, a close ally of the Deputy President. Over the weekend, during a funeral service in his constituency in Kiharu, the President walked out when Nyoro rose to speak. Notably, this was not the first time this has happened; a similar incident occurred during the funeral of Kenneth Matiba the previous year.

We will return to Ndindi Nyoro’s intriguing story later. First, let’s examine the President’s recent speech, which has sparked widespread discussion. Delivered mostly in Kikuyu, it was direct and unambiguous. Although the President wasn’t present during Nyoro’s remarks, he addressed them head-on, referencing the legislator’s request for a Ksh 5 million donation to a local secondary school.

The President responded by pointing out that MPs control Ksh 100 million annually for development and should be accountable for how they use it. He urged constituents to question their MPs instead of allowing them to wander aimlessly, making incomprehensible speeches. This was a clear jab at the Tangatanga faction, of which Nyoro is a prominent member.

The President then shifted focus to corruption, declaring that the fight against it was unstoppable. Speaking in Kikuyu, he emphasized that even microphones wouldn’t save those implicated. He warned of imminent arrests and criticized leaders who looted public funds, leaving nothing for future generations. These remarks were widely interpreted as a veiled attack on his Deputy and the Tangatanga team, suggesting that some members were corrupt and would soon face justice.

The President’s speech set the stage for unprecedented events in Kenyan politics. Meanwhile, at the same funeral, Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu made controversial remarks. Waititu, known for his divisive rhetoric, appeared to defend corruption by urging the government to go slow in its crackdown. He argued that the war on graft was unfairly targeting people in the Rift Valley and could provoke retaliation against Kikuyu communities living there.

Waititu’s comments drew sharp criticism, including from ODM leader Raila Odinga, who rejected any form of ethnic blackmail. Raila emphasized that corruption benefits individuals, not communities, and called for accountability.

Although the President did not directly respond to Waititu’s remarks during the funeral, sources suggest he reprimanded the governor afterward, advising him to abandon petty politics. This alignment between the President and Raila underscores their shared commitment to fighting corruption, refuting conspiracy theories that the President and his Deputy are secretly working together.

This incident also revealed the contrasting strategies of the opposing camps. The President’s handshake team is focused on tackling corruption without fear or favor, even targeting high-ranking officials. Meanwhile, the Deputy President’s camp relies on tactics like blackmail and ethnic rhetoric to shield its members.

Returning to Ndindi Nyoro, the legislator’s political missteps highlight the importance of wisdom in politics. Younger politicians often lack the prudence to pick their battles wisely. For example, during World War II, Winston Churchill succeeded by carefully choosing his battles, even when the Allies were struggling against Germany. Similarly, in politics, engaging in every fight is counterproductive.

Since entering Parliament in 2017, Nyoro has been overly eager to show his loyalty to the Deputy President, often taking on unnecessary battles. This approach has alienated him from key figures, including the President, who now refuses to stay in the room when Nyoro speaks. This behavior is likely eroding confidence among his constituents, making his reelection prospects bleak.

In Kenyan politics, wisdom is not guaranteed, even among older leaders. Governor Waititu is a prime example, having repeatedly displayed a lack of judgment despite holding a university degree. It is clear that academic qualifications alone do not equate to wisdom