Is Ruto Guilt Tripping Uhuru With His Latest Enthusiasm for Truce?

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta (left) with his successor William Ruto (right) at a past church function in Nairobi.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta (left) with his successor William Ruto (right) at a past church function in Nairobi.
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Deputy President William Ruto’s quick approval of the clerics' call for a truce between him and President Uhuru Kenyatta has elicited mixed reactions.

Multiple political elites and analysts have added their voices to the raging debate, with some claiming that Ruto is being strategic by throwing the ball in the president's court, even as he tries to look like the 'adult in the room' or 'the big guy' in the fallout. 

The DP, on Thursday, September 16, responded to the clergy’s call, stating that he was open to having unconditional peace talks with the Head of State. The two have been embroiled in a public war of words, at times a cold war fought through proxies and a battle for supremacy in the government. 

"The bishops have said that they want to mediate talks to reunite me with President Uhuru Kenyatta. I'm ready for the talks without attaching any conditions. He is my boss.

“We were elected by Kenyans together and they gave us the responsibilities of running the government,” Ruto stated, further blaming the fallout on unidentified political foes out to scuttle his bid for the presidency. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta (centre) with Deputy President William Ruto (left) and Opposition leader Raila Odinga during the launch of the BBI report at the Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi on November 27.
President Uhuru Kenyatta (centre) with Deputy President William Ruto (left) and Opposition leader Raila Odinga at the Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi
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Social development consultant and political analyst, Nafula Kisiang'ani told Kenyans.co.ke that the DP was a smart politician who is trying to be strategic. 

She opined that Ruto was aware he was slowly but surely losing grip on the Mt Kenya region. Out of fear of losing the vote-rich block, Ruto, according to the analyst, has welcomed the truce, hoping it helps him get the President's blessings. 

“Ruto knows he is nearly sharing Mt Kenya region 50/50 with Raila who is enjoying the President’s support. The DP thought he would win over Mt Kenya voters without Uhuru. 

“All Mt Kenya top leaders, including Governors and most Senators have sidelined Ruto. These are the people who have the final say in decision making. The DP is working with underdogs who can be easily replaced in Mt Kenya. Ruto needs Mt Kenya, he does not have any other strong voting block other than Rift Valley,” Nafula opined. 

However, United Democratic Movement (UDA) Chairman, Johnson Muthama defended the DP, arguing that the Uhuru-Ruto handshake would be focused on peace and posterity rather than the political benefit.

He also criticised individuals claiming that Ruto was involved in pushing for a handshake between him and the President.

“William Ruto is not the one who initiated the handshake drive. It was the Catholic bishops who rightfully felt the fallout was affecting Kenya's prosperity.

“A true God-fearing leader listens to and respects religious leadership and counsel. Let the media stop diverting attention from the real question,” Muthama, who aspires to run for the Machakos gubernatorial seat in 2022 tweeted. 

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President Uhuru Kenyatta greets DP William Ruto at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi County during the 18th Annual National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, May 27, 2021
PSCU

He further alleged that the question that should be asked after Ruto declared his willingness to hold talks was, whether Uhuru was willing to cease pursuing what he called a "vindictive agenda against the DP". 

Tharaka Nithi Senator, Kithure Kindiki added that the calls for Uhuru-Ruto handshake had ulterior motives. The purpose, he alleged, was to trap Ruto into a fake and self-serving reconciliation project after subjecting him to four long years of humiliation by his juniors in government. 

Renowned lawyer, Donald Kipkorir, however, poked holes at the timing of the handshake calls. 

“Why is it that UDA is so desperate for a Handshake. Didn’t they undermine Uhuru-Raila Handshake? Has their God forsaken them? Why do they suddenly want to work with a “Dynasty”? Does UDA even listen to its own voice?” he tweeted. 

Political analyst, Nafula Kisiang'ani, nonetheless, argued that the developments and outcome of the calls for peace between Uhuru and Ruto will depend on the former. And whether he will be willing to reconcile. She added there are no permanent enemies in politics, every move has to be beneficial. 

“Uhuru also knows that Ruto is after Mt Kenya but I will not be shocked if they shake hands. The DP has humbled himself to the point of baiting the President.

“Uhuru still has a say in Mt Kenya. The region has categorically stated that it is open to negotiating with any team that will agree with their terms. Mt Kenya wants to be the focal point and they have put both Ruto and Raila in an awkward position where they have to negotiate.”