Raila could have won: Ruto lawyer says

 Ruto Must Be President: An Analysis of the Current Political Climate

Social media is buzzing with the message: Ruto must be president. Many users are urging Raila Odinga to concede, while notable figures, such as Moses Wetangula, have suggested that Odinga should consider shaking hands with Ruto—not to secure a position in his government, but for the sake of national peace. Meanwhile, pro-Ruto bloggers are actively distributing old, out-of-context clips to bolster the narrative that Ruto’s presidency is inevitable.

While some Azimio supporters seem disheartened, the big question remains: is this truly the reality on the ground? A deeper look reveals that various key players in this political drama are acting out of character. For instance, ODM, a party known for its vocal and aggressive responses, has been uncharacteristically silent. This absence of their usual fiery rhetoric raises questions about their strategy.

In today's analysis, I delve into these peculiar developments. Social media is currently dominated by UDA supporters tirelessly pushing the narrative that Ruto's presidency is inevitable. But must Ruto really be president?

Signs of a Shift in Strategy

Azimio’s supporters are searching for glimmers of hope, but mainstream and online narratives seem overwhelmingly skewed towards Ruto’s camp. Even so, Raila Odinga appears uncharacteristically calm and composed. This relaxed demeanor, coupled with the ODM's muted response, hints at a possible strategic move: allowing Ruto's camp to dominate the public discourse without resistance.

For seasoned observers of Kenyan politics, this is highly unusual. ODM’s silence is deafening, and some analysts believe it may be a deliberate tactic. By not engaging in counter-statements or social media wars, Azimio could be waiting for the right moment to act.

Legal Maneuvers and Surprising Revelations

A major twist came from prominent lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi, who claimed Azimio's legal team may not seek to nullify Ruto's election in the Supreme Court. Instead, they might aim for the court to declare Raila Odinga as the rightful president based on the “correct results.” If true, this suggests Azimio is not interested in a rerun but is focused on challenging the legitimacy of the announced results.

Abdullahi, a known Ruto supporter, has sparked debates with his claims. Some believe he may be seeking attention or positioning himself for lucrative legal work. Nevertheless, his remarks have given renewed hope to many Azimio supporters, who now believe there’s a chance for a favorable outcome.

Historical Parallels: Ruto’s Playbook

Interestingly, Ruto’s political strategy bears a striking resemblance to the KANU-era playbook of the 1990s. In those days, President Daniel arap Moi remained in power despite widespread unpopularity. Ruto’s leadership style, marked by strict control over narratives and intolerance for criticism, evokes memories of the draconian tactics of that era.

Critics fear a rollback of freedoms Kenyans fought hard to secure. Under the current constitution, citizens have enjoyed robust rights to criticize leaders without fear of reprisal. However, Ruto’s allies, especially within UDA, seem hypersensitive to criticism, raising concerns about what his presidency might entail.

Encouragement for Azimio Supporters

Despite the current atmosphere, Azimio supporters are urged to stay hopeful. This political battle is about more than a contest between Ruto and Raila; it’s a fight for the freedoms and sacrifices that have shaped Kenya’s democracy. The country has come a long way, and while the road ahead may seem uncertain, a better Kenya is possible.

A Final Clue

One of the most telling signs that things may not be as they seem comes from political analysts close to President Uhuru Kenyatta. They suggest that while Kenyatta has followed the law by gazetting Ruto as president-elect and setting up the transition process, Ruto’s ambitions may still face hurdles. As one analyst put it, Ruto’s journey might stop at “president-elect,” implying he may never officially take office.

This enigmatic statement leaves much to interpretation but offers a glimmer of hope to those advocating for change. Time, as always, will reveal the truth.