Valuable body language lessons from Embu Uhuru-Ruto showdown drama

I have been reflecting on the recent events in Embu and wondering how, one day in the future, historians will analyze and write about William Samoei Ruto’s presidency. This “Embu drama” will undoubtedly feature prominently in those accounts. The political state of the nation was vividly displayed during the Catholic Church function at Embu University grounds. It was a moment of clarity for everyone: for those in doubt to correct themselves and for those who saw things clearly to confirm their insights.

As someone who keenly observes and analyzes body language, I was struck by the unspoken messages being conveyed. If regimes could ban the reading of body language, Kenya would likely be among the first countries to outlaw it. Why? Because body language reveals hidden truths. It allows one to analyze situations with precision and avoid misjudgments. Of course, this ability sometimes leads to stepping on sensitive nerves, which can upset people.

Just yesterday, I encountered someone who kept pestering me, pretending to need help but being vague about their actual request. Predictably, the interaction ended with a request to meet in person. However, I could sense their true intentions from a mile away. Despite attempting to fake a South Sudanese accent, I recognized them as someone from another African country benefiting financially from the innocent blood of Kenyans. My message to such individuals is simple: I am the least of your worries. The writing is clearly on the wall, and your problems are far more significant than dealing with me.

Now, back to the recent event in Embu, where former President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta and current President William Samoei Ruto, alongside Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, shared a platform. The scene reminded me of an adventurous high school student mixing chemicals recklessly in a lab—it was bound to spark reactions.

Let me illustrate the body language from that event with a story. Imagine your young daughter falls in love, and from your experience, you know the relationship is doomed. You can predict how it will end after one look at the man she’s involved with. When you express your concerns, she dismisses you, claiming you don’t understand and that she knows better. Two years later, you meet her at a gathering. She appears visibly battered—one eye can barely open, a scratch mars her face, and she walks with a limp, despite trying to mask it with makeup. Her mere presence, sitting across from you, conveys everything words cannot.

This was the body language on display in Embu. Some people were visibly uncomfortable, nervous, and almost ashamed, while former President Uhuru Kenyatta appeared confident and at ease. Although Uhuru seemed physically different—often wearing a hat and walking with a slight limp—his composure was unmistakable. The crowd’s warm reception of him underscored his enduring influence.

In contrast, the current administration’s leaders seemed out of place. Even Rigathi Gachagua, supposedly an ally of Uhuru, looked uneasy. When Uhuru’s name was mentioned, the crowd erupted into wild cheers, highlighting his lingering popularity. His speech was a masterclass in subtlety, addressing leadership qualities like respect and humility—attributes glaringly absent in President Ruto’s leadership style. Without directly engaging in politics, Uhuru managed to deliver a powerful political message that resonated with the audience.

As President Ruto spoke afterward, the crowd’s muted reaction was telling. It was a stark contrast to the enthusiasm shown for his predecessor. For someone with a narcissistic disposition, such indifference can cut deep.

I am forever grateful to Dr. Ed, a psychologist who taught me about narcissism during a difficult period in my life. Understanding narcissists and their behavior has been invaluable, especially in interpreting political dynamics. Narcissists believe they are infallible, assuming others are too foolish to see through their schemes. This mindset likely explains why the government decided to share a platform with Uhuru in Embu, perhaps hoping the public would interpret their presence as unity. Instead, the move backfired spectacularly, amplifying chants of “Ruto must go!”

In politics, public perception is everything. Trying to confront public opinion head-on rarely succeeds. A more effective approach would have been to change the narrative. For example, Ruto could have spoken about his admiration for Uhuru, highlighting their shared history and mutual respect. Such a narrative would have neutralized the political tension rather than escalating it.

History teaches us that leadership requires wisdom. If a leader lacks it, they must surround themselves with wise advisors. In politics, where emotions are volatile, the ability to think critically and strategically is paramount.

To conclude, analyzing political events like the Embu drama is an opportunity for us to learn valuable lessons. Let us not arrogantly assume we would never make similar mistakes. Instead, let us humbly observe and pray for wisdom to avoid such pitfalls in our own lives.

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