Raila Odinga vs. William Ruto: A Political Showdown in the Making

 Over recent months, political drama in Kenya has unfolded with Deputy President (DP) William Ruto frequently taking aim at Raila Odinga, often using inflammatory rhetoric. However, Raila has remained silent, allowing his allies to respond on his behalf. This strategy changed recently when Raila Odinga fired back at DP Ruto in a direct and forceful manner, a rare occurrence for the seasoned politician.

The trigger? A seemingly harmless remark by DP Ruto during President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga's joint tour in Luo Nyanza. Ruto stated that he could “walk the middle path” between Uhuru and Raila, implying neutrality in their handshake partnership. However, Raila did not take this lightly. He labeled Ruto’s comments as “foolishness,” urging the DP to keep politics out of the handshake agreement. According to Raila, Ruto's remarks were thinly veiled attempts to advance his 2022 presidential ambitions—a move Raila deemed inappropriate and opportunistic.

For those unfamiliar with Raila’s political style, this response might seem impulsive. However, Raila Odinga is known for his calculated approach, rarely reacting emotionally. His response signals something deeper—a strategic political maneuver at a critical juncture.

Understanding the Handshake’s Impact

The handshake between Raila and President Uhuru in March 2018 marked a turning point in Kenya’s political landscape. It stabilized Uhuru’s presidency following the contentious 2017 elections and brought relative peace to the country. Raila, often seen as a political master strategist, is thought to have played a significant advisory role to Uhuru, helping him regain legitimacy and navigate the complex political terrain.

In contrast, DP Ruto has found himself increasingly marginalized. Initially, his strategy appeared to be undermining the handshake, hoping to thwart any coalition government that could arise from it. However, his efforts proved futile, especially as Raila and Uhuru continued to strengthen their alliance.

Raila’s Calculated Timing

Timing is everything in politics, much like in a lion’s hunt. Raila’s decision to confront Ruto now, when the DP is perceived as politically weakened, is no coincidence. Ruto has spent months campaigning across the country, building alliances, and funding local initiatives, yet he has little to show for it. His remarks about “walking the middle path” left him vulnerable to Raila’s counterattack. By calling out Ruto’s duplicity—publicly supporting the handshake while privately opposing it—Raila has effectively boxed the DP into a corner.

Ruto now faces a dilemma: should he openly oppose the handshake, risking alienation from a peace-loving electorate, or fully embrace it, undermining his 2022 ambitions? Either path poses significant challenges for the DP.

The Final Showdown

Raila’s latest move appears to signal the beginning of a larger political showdown between two camps: the pro-handshake alliance led by Raila and Uhuru, and Ruto’s faction. Raila’s direct attack may be intended to “smoke out” Ruto, forcing him to take a clear stance on the handshake. This tactic exposes Ruto’s political vulnerabilities and weakens his narrative.

The implications of this showdown are far-reaching. The handshake has united the country, with its supporters rallying around the message of peace and progress. For Ruto to oppose it now would require an extraordinary justification—one that may not exist in the current political climate.

Conclusion

Raila Odinga’s calculated response to DP Ruto’s remarks is more than just a political outburst. It is a strategic move aimed at consolidating the handshake's position while isolating its detractors. For Ruto, this marks a critical juncture—his next steps will determine whether he can recover or if this signals the beginning of his political decline.