Former President Uhuru Kenyatta may soon switch allegiance from former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to his successor William Ruto after he agreed to continue chairing missions across the Eastern Africa region.
Political analysts say that Ruto placed Uhuru at crossroads by offering him the opportunity to serve as Kenya's international diplomat. With such a role at hand, the former President who also chairs the opposition's Azimio La Umoja council will have a hard time criticising the government.
Uhuru endured a barrage of attacks from Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua at Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday, September 13, and he was quite humble when Ruto announced that he will continue spearheading peace initiatives in the region.
And being on the receiving end of the attacks, the President may think twice about staining his legacy by crossing paths with the Ruto-Gachagua administration.
"I have asked my elder brother, President Uhuru Kenyatta, who has done commendable engagements with those regions and he has graciously agreed to continue chairing those discussions on behalf of the people of Kenya," Ruto offered.
Uhuru replied by gesturing to Ruto with a peace sign and was captured saying asante (thank you).
Javas Bigambo, a governance expert and political analyst stated that by offering Uhuru the special envoy role, Ruto proved that he still respects his boss despite the acrimonious nature of their fallout.
Ruto, Bigambo added, also believed that Uhuru has a key role to play in the region and Africa. However, Ruto pushed Uhuru into a corner to a point where he would not freely engage with the opposition.
"It's like Ruto has put a rope around Ruto's neck and as an Azimio leader, he will find it difficult to attack Ruto's government or engage in a political duel with his successor.
"Uhuru will also travel to represent the country aboard and will continue interacting with international leaders, heads of state and presidents, bringing them together and fostering peace," Bigambo stated, questioning whether Uhuru was ready to throw all of his successes away to engage in internal affairs in the country.
Political analyst Mark Bichache further told Kenyans.co.ke that despite offering Uhuru a job, the trolls by Gachagua and Ruto painting his predecessor as a lame duck president were uncalled for.
Bichache did not approve of the decision by the two leaders to attack the former president, especially with other state leaders touring the country.
"You do not air your dirty linen in public. These are the same leaders you will approach and seek partnership with," he stated.
The analyst, however, concurred with Bigambo stating that the role offered to Uhuru was an indication that he is a true statesman.
Uhuru and Raila's Azimio
After the Supreme Court upheld Ruto's victory, Uhuru met with Azimio la Umoja leaders and reiterated his support for Raila Odinga who had lost his fifth stab at the presidency.
Uhuru confirmed that he would hand over power smiling as dictated by Constitution but his president will remain to be Baba, Raila Odinga.
"You denied yourself an opportunity to bring the country together, you haven't denied Raila," the former head of state remarked.
"We must be prepared to be the strongest opposition and diligently discharge our duty. Get it, take it or leave it. I will be a proud citizen who will join my leader Raila, waiting for direction to be given. I will stand with him and I know what he has gone through," Uhuru added on September 7.
Nonetheless, he went on to congratulate Ruto and wish him well when he offered the latter a tour of State House on Monday, September 12.
He faced sharp criticsm from a section of Azimio leaders who accused him of setting Raila for failure. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino claimed that Uhuru and Ruto orchestrated Raila's downfall, with the former president infiltrating the opposition to weaken it.
"Thank you Uhuru Kenyatta for keeping your word to Ruto. Your body language tells it was a long con. We will still reach where we are going," Babu, a close ally of Raila lamented.
"Because of Uhuru’s incessant and ill-advised utterances, Raila and Martha Karua struggled to shake off the projects tag. Far from being state projects, Raila and Martha's reformist credentials needed no emphasis. Unfortunately, Uhuru was the chairman of Azimio, a position that I stated publicly that he should resign from," activist Boniface Mwangi who campaigned for the opposition added.
Raila Odinga is expected to meet Azimio leaders upon his return from abroad and analysts argue that Uhuru's international role and his duties as Azimio La Umoja chairperson may be discussed in the meeting.
The former Prime Minister stated that he will chart the way forward and advise the opposition on their next move.
