The day moi rejected ruto's personal condolences

 On August 15, 2022, a significant and somewhat surprising moment unfolded in Kenyan politics, as former President Daniel arap Moi rejected personal condolences from Deputy President William Ruto following the death of his wife, Mama Mary Juma, at the age of 94. The incident, although it appeared to be a minor gesture at first, carried deeper implications for the political climate of Kenya at the time.

Background

Daniel arap Moi, the second president of Kenya, had ruled the country for nearly 24 years, from 1978 until his retirement in 2002. His tenure was marked by a mix of political control, economic challenges, and controversies. Despite stepping down in 2002, Moi continued to hold considerable sway within Kenyan politics, particularly in the Rift Valley region where his influence was most pronounced.

By 2022, the political landscape had drastically changed. The 2022 presidential race, pitting William Ruto, the Deputy President at the time, against Raila Odinga, was intensely competitive. Moi's endorsement was highly sought after, with both major candidates vying for his approval in the final weeks leading up to the election. However, Moi had maintained a careful distance from openly supporting either candidate.

The Incident

On that particular day in August, Deputy President William Ruto visited Moi’s home in Kabarak, Nakuru County, to offer condolences on the passing of Mama Mary Juma. Ruto, who had known the former president for years, made a personal gesture of respect, believing it was an opportunity to show solidarity during a difficult time. However, this gesture was unexpectedly turned down.

Reports suggest that Moi declined the condolence visit on personal grounds, stating that he was not prepared to receive Ruto's sympathy at that moment. The rejection was seen by many as a signal of Moi's disapproval of Ruto's political ambitions or, more broadly, his stance in the ongoing presidential race.

Political Significance

The refusal of personal condolences was not just a personal rejection; it was seen as a political statement. By rejecting Ruto's visit, Moi appeared to distance himself from the Deputy President, signaling that he might not offer his support in the fiercely contested race. In the lead-up to the 2022 election, alliances and endorsements carried significant weight, especially from respected figures like Moi, whose legacy as president still loomed large in Kenya’s political culture.

For Ruto, the rejection came at a time when he was actively courting influential figures to strengthen his political base. While it was clear that Moi’s health had been in decline, the rejection of Ruto’s condolences raised questions about whether the former president was aligning with other political players, possibly signaling his support for Ruto’s main rival, Raila Odinga.

Moi’s Legacy and Impact

The rejection also underscored the complexity of Daniel Moi's legacy. Despite stepping down from the presidency, Moi remained a figure of enormous influence in Kenya’s political fabric. His actions, or inactions, carried symbolic weight. In rejecting Ruto’s condolences, Moi may have been sending a message about the values and alliances that would define the next generation of Kenyan leadership.

Moreover, the incident spoke to the underlying tensions within the Kenyan political establishment. The Rift Valley, once considered a key stronghold for Ruto, had long been a region closely tied to Moi’s leadership, with many of the area’s political figures still loyal to him. Ruto’s attempt to solidify his claim to the region was seen as undermined by the rejection of Moi’s condolences, leading many to speculate that Moi’s political inclinations were not as easily swayed by Ruto’s rise to power.

Conclusion

The day that Moi rejected Ruto’s condolences may seem like a small, personal interaction, but it encapsulated the political dynamics of Kenya in 2022. It was a reminder of the intricate relationships and power plays that defined the country’s politics, particularly in the run-up to a highly charged presidential election. While Ruto would go on to win the presidency in the August 2022 elections, the moment when Moi turned down his condolences remains a noteworthy chapter in the history of Kenyan political events, highlighting the complex interplay between personal gestures and public political statements.