Impeaching Ruto: A Strategic Move in Kenyan Politics

 It seems like some AIMO leaders have nothing else to say, as they've issued a rather strange statement, claiming there are enough grounds to impeach President William Ruto. But is that really the case? Are there enough reasons to impeach him? Of course, there are many potential grounds for impeachment, but the bigger issue lies in the practicality of it.

The problem, as most analysts see it, is that it's not realistic. For impeachment to succeed, it requires a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and the Senate. And most Kenyans believe AIMO simply doesn’t have the numbers to make it happen. However, I have a different perspective. The timing of this move is crucial—it’s a period when Ruto’s presidency is at its most vulnerable. Even the process of starting impeachment proceedings would cause significant damage to his administration.

The main goal for AIMO in pushing for impeachment isn't necessarily to succeed in removing the president but to create political turmoil. The very act of initiating the process could shift the focus to Ruto’s survival, and that’s what’s truly damaging. The political environment in Kenya is changing rapidly, with divisions within the ruling coalition and young legislators pushing for change.

As the country faces increasing dissatisfaction, strikes, and protests, starting an impeachment process could trigger a financial crisis that would shift Ruto's attention from governance to survival. Even if the impeachment fails, the damage to his presidency would already be done, weakening his position and forcing him into a corner.

The real question is not whether the impeachment will succeed, but how the process itself will affect the country’s political landscape. Just as history has shown us, things can change quickly in politics, and the forces driving these changes are growing stronger. The situation in Kenya is now reaching a point where something has to give—whether it’s political, financial, or social, change is on the horizon.