The Political Intrigue Surrounding William Ruto and the Luhya Nation: A Deep Dive

There are some intriguing developments surrounding William Ruto and the Luhya nation that are worth exploring. Last Saturday, a delegation of loyal leaders convened at State House for a lengthy meeting to discuss grassroots support for the UDA party in the Luhya community. Several things stood out from this political event.

First, a familiar face from a few months ago made a surprising return to the fold. Set Panaco, the Secretary General of the Nurses Union, who left UDA with much drama not long ago, was present at the meeting. Panaco had previously claimed he received a call from Ruto himself asking him to leave the party. Now, here he is, back at State House, sitting in on discussions about UDA's strategy.

Another striking detail was the leadership of the delegation. The person who led the meeting was none other than Cleophas Malala, the Secretary General of UDA. Yes, you heard that right—Malala, a man who not long ago seemed far removed from such influential positions. Following the meeting, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, known for his outspoken nature, fired shots at certain key figures in Luhya politics. He emphasized that without leaders like Moses Wetangula, Kalonzo Musyoka, and himself, there could be no meaningful political progress in the Luhya community. Was this a case of sour grapes, or is something more strategic at play?

This takes us back to the Machiavellian tactics employed by some of Kenya's political elites, such as President Moi, who famously used such methods to maintain control. Ruto seems to be following in his footsteps, manipulating the political landscape to secure his dominance. For instance, why invite all Luhya leaders to State House but leave out the most prominent ones? This raises suspicions about the intentions behind these moves.

But what’s most significant is the demographic shift revealed by the 2019 census, which shows the Luhya population at around 6.8 million—just 1.3 million fewer than the Kikuyu population, which stands at 8.1 million. These numbers carry enormous political weight. Historically, tribal numbers have been treated as state secrets because they influence the allocation of resources and, crucially, elections. In Kenya’s politics, the power of numbers is a serious game, and the Luhya, with their significant population, are key players in this strategy.

Ruto’s recent actions, such as easing the process for Somalis to get ID cards, suggest a deliberate attempt to consolidate political power in communities that could tip the scales in future elections. His focus on the Luhya community is part of a broader strategy that recognizes the importance of their numbers in securing the presidency.

This information offers some insight into Ruto’s thoughts on the upcoming 2027 elections. While it's clear he is already positioning himself for the future, there are significant uncertainties in the political landscape that could change everything. The current state of affairs, with unresolved issues and unpredictable outcomes, makes any 2027 plans seem premature.