Mama Ngina Kenyatta Speaks Out: A Red Flag for the Ruto Administration

 

You know the political climate in Kenya has hit a critical point when Mama Ngina Kenyatta, the country’s founding First Lady, publicly weighs in on a national political issue. This is unprecedented. In Kenya’s history, no former First Lady has ever openly commented on political matters. Yet, under what Azimio describes as the “illegitimate” presidency of William Ruto, this has happened. What does this signify? Whichever way you look at it, this is a glaring red flag.

The relationship between Mama Ngina Kenyatta and President Ruto has long been fraught with tension, often brewing beneath the surface. To understand the current dynamics, let’s revisit a key moment in 2017. As the country geared up for the general elections, tensions between then-Deputy President William Ruto and Gideon Moi, son of former President Daniel Moi, were palpable. Amid this, Mama Ngina Kenyatta met with former President Moi—a move that sparked speculation of political maneuvering. At the time, many couldn’t understand why the DP Ruto camp reacted so strongly, but in hindsight, the meeting was loaded with political implications.

Fast forward to today. Mama Ngina’s recent public comments came in response to allegations against her family, including claims of tax evasion and illegal waivers. Her emphatic defense of the Kenyatta family sent shockwaves through the political scene. For someone of her stature—widely respected as a national elder and freedom fighter—to speak out so strongly signals the gravity of the situation. In many African cultures, such an intervention would be viewed as a symbolic curse on those targeting her family.

A Backfiring Strategy

If the Ruto administration intended to rally public anger against the Kenyatta family by focusing on taxes, it appears to have miscalculated. The allegations have largely been dismissed as misleading. For instance, critics pointed out that estate taxes, which were abolished in Kenya in 1982, are irrelevant in this context. Similarly, any tax waivers granted to companies linked to the Kenyatta family would have followed legal processes, rendering the current claims moot.

Interestingly, the focus of the accusations has shifted from estate taxes to corporate taxes. Yet, corporate tax in Kenya is mandatory, and waivers, if granted, are legal and binding. This raises questions about the true motive behind the accusations.

Diversionary Tactics?

One theory is that these tax allegations are a distraction from more pressing issues, such as the damning revelations by the IEBC whistleblower. If so, this strategy seems to be backfiring, as it has only heightened political tensions and alienated the Ruto administration further.

What Lies Ahead?

The unprecedented intervention by Mama Ngina has undoubtedly rattled the political landscape. Her words resonate deeply with Kenyans across the board, who have largely rallied to her defense. Meanwhile, the Ruto administration faces growing scrutiny for politicizing what should be a purely administrative issue.

In the coming days, the fallout from this political drama will be closely watched. However, one thing is clear: the temperature in Kenya’s political arena has been raised to a boiling point.