United States-based Law Professor, Makau Mutua, on Sunday stated that President Uhuru Kenyatta sent a hidden message to his deputy William Ruto after he unveiled part of his his new Cabinet alone.
In his article published by the Standard, Prof Mutua noted that while announcing nine of his Cabinet Secretaries without the DP, the President was trying to communicate that he is the boss.
"Kenyatta seemed in a huff, and looked visibly agitated, as he unveiled the partial Cabinet. What should have been a moment of joy looked pained. He stood alone as if to underscore that he’s got no co-equal.
[caption caption="President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House when he unveiled his new cabinet"]
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"Kenyatta staged theatrical statecraft. Bluntly put, he was telling the country that he alone sits at the head of state and government. Kenyans know this to be true but me thinks the message was meant for Ruto and his allies. Frankly, I have been shocked the public bromance between Kenyatta and Ruto has lasted this long – five years," he stated.
Regarding the DP's 2022 Presidential bid, the Prof. noted that Presidents in Kenya never endorse their deputies to succeed them and as such Mr Ruto ought to think outside the box to break that history.
He cited former Presidents Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and Mwai Kibaki who never supported their kingmakers for the top seat.
"Ruto, who is reputed to be a master strategist, must know that kings always kill kingmakers. In Kenya, kings haven’t made their kingmakers heirs. None of Kenya’s Presidents was a kingmaker.
"This is the historical current that Ruto must swim against. The phenomenon is akin to a river flowing uphill," he explained.
Prof Mutua explained that for Ruto to be President, he must change tactics or else the Kingmakers fate will also hit him.
[caption caption="File image of President Kenyatta and DP Ruto"]
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