Flashback: What Is About To Happen To DP Ruto

 Undoubtedly, the most prominent political position in Kenya is that of the President, formerly known as the Vice President.

Now, back to the topic. The concept of an executive presidency isn’t very common in Western democracies, which means we don’t have many examples to reference. In the United States, for instance, the Vice President often feels sidelined—close to power yet distant from its core. Their responsibilities typically involve handling politically sensitive issues, particularly in regions where the President lacks support. Often, their constitutional role is vaguely defined, leaving room for interpretation.

Kenya’s 2010 Constitution attempted to clarify the Deputy President's duties, mainly to protect the officeholder from dismissal by the President—a problem that plagued previous vice presidents. However, it didn’t fundamentally alter the office's nature. It remains a role where power and survival depend largely on the officeholder’s instincts and strategies.

The case of Deputy President William Ruto stands out. From 2013 to late 2016, many believed he wielded significant influence over presidential decisions, acting as the brains behind the administration. However, their partnership began to sour in late 2016 as the ruling coalition faced a formidable opposition ahead of the 2017 elections. Despite their disagreements, they maintained unity to combat external political threats. However, after the historic 2018 handshake between President Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga, the cracks in the relationship resurfaced, signaling the beginning of the fallout.

Contrary to popular belief, Raila Odinga did not cause the rift between President Kenyatta and Ruto—it was long-standing. As the tensions escalate, Kenya faces a potential political crisis if Ruto loses his current battle. Such a loss could have significant ramifications for the nation. Ruto has already cemented his legacy as a resilient leader, rivaling even former Vice President Daniel arap Moi, who endured immense challenges before becoming President.

Moi’s tenure as Vice President is a testament to survival under duress. He faced public humiliation and political hostility, particularly from the so-called "Kiambu Mafia," who marginalized him. Moi’s challenges extended to his personal life, notably involving his wife, Lena Moi. Her refusal to conform to the expectations of a vice president’s spouse led to her eventual separation from Moi, a decision rooted in political and personal pressures.

Turning back to Ruto, recent political maneuvers signal a growing challenge to his ambitions. Prominent leaders from Central Kenya, who previously supported his 2022 presidential bid, appear to have shifted allegiances. Additionally, allegations about his vast landholdings in Congo and scrutiny over his wealth suggest an orchestrated campaign against him. These developments, coupled with renewed interest from the ICC in the 2008 post-election violence, paint a picture of a coordinated effort to undermine his political standing.

The battle at the top of Kenya’s political hierarchy is intensifying. While Ruto has distanced himself from controversial issues, such as the maize debate, his opponents continue to apply pressure, leveraging state resources and intelligence. This struggle has far-reaching implications, and as always, ordinary Kenyans may bear the brunt of the fallout.