The Moko Demolitions: A Political Misstep and Its Far-reaching Consequences

According to  Amolo Odinga, the controversial and painful Moko demolitions were ordered directly from State House by President William Samoei Ruto. Oinga emphasized this point repeatedly, and those familiar with his political insights know that his information is often highly reliable. But there’s more to this story than just the allegations, as evidence suggests that State House indeed played a significant role in the Moko land issue.

Ruto’s Involvement in the Moko Demolitions

Ruto himself is on record stating that now that the courts have made a decision regarding the Moko land, the government should proceed to take over the land for its Export Processing Zone project. Leaders from various regions, including Machakos Governor and Vihiga's DTI, have also confirmed that they contacted State House to intervene when the demolitions were escalating, seeking orders to halt them. Despite this, the demolitions continued, raising the question: Why didn’t State House stop the demolitions?

The clear implication here is that State House was fully aware of the situation and likely supported the demolitions proceeding. This was confirmed by Raila Odinga’s public statements. On October 14, during Enok Kuua’s Thanksgiving in Koui, Odinga boldly declared that Ruto had personally ordered the Moko demolitions. Interestingly, his remarks didn’t surprise many, as it was assumed that the public already understood the connection between Ruto and the demolitions.

A Political Misstep: The Moko Demolitions and the Kenyan Divide

While demolitions are nothing new in Kenya, particularly under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, the Moko demolitions were a grave tactical error. This is because there were significant differences in this case. Most demolitions in the past affected the poorest communities, and media coverage often led to a quick fade-out of the issue. However, Moko involved influential middle-class Kenyans, many of whom are active on social media and are part of the political elite. The structures demolished were not slums; many were high-end buildings.

This distinction is crucial because State House seemed to misjudge the situation, not recognizing that not all demolitions are the same. The timing of the Moko demolitions also made them particularly disastrous. At a time when many Kenyans are struggling financially and unable to afford basic needs, such demolitions were bound to have significant political fallout.

The Political and Investor Backlash

The political impact of the Moko demolitions was severe. The Kenya Kwanza administration, which had initially supported the demolitions, soon distanced itself from the action as the negative consequences became apparent. If the demolitions hadn’t had such a massive impact, the government would have continued with its narrative of illegal structures being removed. But the political cost was too high, and the government backpedaled.

Additionally, the demolitions have severely damaged any remaining investor confidence in Kenya. Investors, particularly those who have land that may be deemed idle, are now concerned about the government's intention to reclaim such lands. Though the government's land redistribution policy is well-intentioned, it raises alarms among large landowners, especially foreign investors, who fear that their property might be seized. This uncertainty could drive investors away, further harming Kenya's economic stability.

A Serious Political Consequence

In a particularly critical twist, the Moko demolitions also affected people from the Mount Kenya region, a key political region in Kenya. This has further intensified the political tensions within the government, as the Mount Kenya region is increasingly turning against the current administration. The Moko demolitions could not have come at a worse time for the government, as they risk alienating one of the country’s most influential political bases.

The Aftermath of the Moko Demolitions

The political consequences of the Moko demolitions are far-reaching and will continue to unfold in the coming months. The Ruto administration now faces the difficult task of repairing its relations with both investors and key political figures from the Mount Kenya region. With the political and economic fallout from the demolitions becoming clearer, it’s likely that Moko will remain a key issue, creating explosive headlines and revelations in the near future.

For those wanting to understand the full scope of this issue, including the hidden political dynamics, my book The Ruto Kenyans Will Never Know delves into the untold stories behind these events.