Political dynamics in Kenya have once again come into sharp focus as President William Ruto appears to be replicating the treatment he once endured under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
During Kenyatta’s tenure, Deputy President Ruto was increasingly sidelined, his duties reassigned to Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
A similar pattern is now emerging, with President Ruto reportedly rallying over 40 Mt. Kenya MPs to appoint Interior CS Kithure Kindiki as their principal link to the executive, effectively sidelining his own Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.
Political analysts have noted striking parallels between the two scenarios. “This seems like déjà vu,” remarks political analyst Herman Manyora, who observes that Ruto had once vowed never to subject his Deputy to the same humiliation he faced.
Yet, the recent political maneuvers suggest otherwise, raising questions about the sincerity of Ruto’s earlier promise to promote a more collaborative and respectful working relationship with his Deputy.
The optics of these actions have not gone unnoticed. Commentators like George Andayi have highlighted how the marginalization of Gachagua echoes Kenyatta’s sidelining of Ruto, suggesting that power struggles and betrayal remain integral to Kenya’s political landscape.
“This is a classic case of power play where the once-oppressed has now become the oppressor,” Andanyi notes, further fueling speculation about Ruto’s intentions.
As tensions simmer, many are left questioning whether Ruto’s actions signal a shift in his leadership style or a mere continuation of the political tradition of diminishing a Deputy’s role to consolidate power at the top.
The unfolding events will likely shape Kenya’s political discourse in the coming months, leaving observers wary of the stability within the executive ranks.
