Deputy President William Ruto's planned events in Western were cancelled over what police cited as security concerns and Covid-19 safety measures.
The directives issued by the National Security Advisory Council requiring that any large gatherings be approved by Police Commanders have dealt a blow on Ruto.
However, Korir Sing'oei, who is the head of the DP's campaign strategy expressed confidence that his boss would find ways of circumventing the strict rules.
"I don't see him stopping to engage on issues of social economic aspirations of the people. There is a feeling of being constrained, but trust me he will find a way of continuing the conversation," he told the media on Saturday, October 10.
Strategy meetings which have been held at Ruto's Karen home have come up with proposals on his next course of action.
Unannounced/impromptu visits
Tactical impromptu visits to market places, weddings, and funerals could give Ruto the benefit of using the element of surprise.
Having to request permission to host Ruto in two church events that were scheduled for the weekend in Western gave the police an upper hand, sending a contingent of officers to ensure the meetings didn't take place.
However, the biggest challenge with the impromptu visits is determining how long the government would let him utilise the loophole.
Court Process
There is a proposal to challenge the Public Order Act in court through the DP's proxies.
This option is expected to be explored in depth at a scheduled meeting on Wednesday, October 14, at his Karen home.
An injunction from the court would enable the DP to revert to his rallies while the determination of the case is tied up in Kenya's judicial processes.
Full Offensive
A member of Ruto's camp is said to have suggested that they take on the so-called system and eventually leave Jubilee Party.
Politicians were non committal about whether the upcoming meeting will discuss the Deputy President's future in the ruling party.
"It is not the DP who called us, but it is us who have been requesting him that we need to meet and discuss our political future because there is a handshake here which has changed the political landscape of the country to an extent that our funds-drives are being frustrated by the police and that is what we the Wednesday meeting will focus on," Bomet Senator Chris Lang'at stated.
Karen Meetings
On Monday, October 12, Ruto is expected to host a delegation from Nyanza and his allies are waiting to see whether the function will attract heavy police presence.
They expressed confidence that police would hesitate to mount a blockade at his Karen home where the event will take place.
This comes just a day after ODM leader Raila Odinga hosted a delegation of over 500 elders from the Mt Kenya region at his family home in Bondo, Siaya County.
We will dutifully be notifying the police and if they refuse we will be sharing the news with Kenyans," Jubilee Party Deputy Secretary General Caleb Kositany stated.
