President William Ruto's inner circle comprises businessmen, lawyers, family members and political leaders who not only hang out with him but also advise and aid him in running the country.
The circle meets the commander-in-chief of the armed forces at State House and reclusive places.
According to insiders, Ruto has exclusively shared interests with each part of the inner sect that informs the agenda and time of their meetings.
Policy Makers
This is the upper crew in his inner circle. Ruto hangs out with members of the group when pinned down by policy issues that require immediate and well-thought-out decisions.
Members include his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, Chief Minister nominee Musalia Mudavadi, Transport Cabinet Secretary nominee Kipchumba Murkomen and economist David Ndii.
However, Gachagua falls in the upper echelon among Ruto's close confidants.
Gachagua
Gachagua is considered one of the closest allies to Ruto. Besides sharing their deep spiritual beliefs, he confides in him issues regarding running the country and policy making.
To confirm their bromance, Ruto tasked Gachagua with the country's economic recovery agenda and fostering good relationships between the devolved system of government and the national government.
Gachagua was reportedly part of the team that funded Ruto's election as the head of state, which is why he was compelled to pick him as running mate over former Tharaka Nithi senator, Kithure Kindiki.
The close ties between First lady Rachel Ruto and Gachagua's wife, Dorcas Rigathi, further bind them together.
His Son-in-law Alexander Ezenagu
Alexander Ezenagu made headlines after marrying the President's daughter June Ruto. Despite keeping a low profile, Ezenagu became a prominent figure after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared Ruto the winner of the August polls.
He was among the VIPs who graced his inauguration, after party at State House and thanksgiving service.
Insiders opine that Ruto may tap into his expertise in international trade and taxes to advance his foreign relations.
Having graduated from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom with a Masters degree in Commercial Law, Ruto is said to peg their private engagements on pertinent issues regarding trade and policies while keeping in mind constitutional requirements.
Murkomen and Sudi
Although Murkomen and Kapseret MP, Oscar Sudi, do not prominently feature in the inner circle, they are close confidants of the head of state.
Political analysts argue that Ruto prefers Sudi and Murkomen as they are familiar with issues affecting the 'hustlers'. The two are said to resonate perfectly with his idea of uplifting the common mwananchi owing to their personal stories of grace to grass.
Sudi rose from being a tout to MP, while Murkomen was raised in a poverty-stricken family and rose to establish himself.
Before winning the August polls, Ruto flew out with Sudi to Dubai and recently to Ethiopia. After being declared Kenya's fifth president, Sudi was also among the leaders who flew in the Presidential military chopper.
The President further appointed Murkomen as the Cabinet Secretary for Transport.
Learned Friends
Kithure Kindiki
Kindiki was touted to be Ruto's running mate before the August 9 polls. After intense moments of discussions, the President settled on Gachagua instead.
He, however, rewarded Kindiki by nominating him as the CS for Interior- one of the key dockets in Cabinet.
Gladys Shollei
By her argument that sleep and taking a bath are over-rated after the Bomas of Kenya drama while guarding Ruto's vote, Sholei proved how close she was to the commander in chief of the armed forces.
She single-handedly played a key role in safeguarding Ruto's vote and also oversaw the recounting of ballot papers as directed by the Supreme Court.
With her past experience as Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Ruto rewarded Shollei by fronting her for the position of Deputy Speaker, key in helping the Kenya Kwanza administration advance its agenda.
Communication team
Hussein Mohamed
Former Citizen TV anchor Hussein Mohamed is part of the team that hangs out with Ruto in private. Hussein was assigned the role of drafting his campaign messaging and public communication.
He also accompanied Ruto on his first international trip to the US. With his role, pundits have argued that Ruto might pick him as State House spokesperson, a position currently occupied by Kanze Dena.
Dennis Itumbi
Itumbi played a key role in campaigning for Ruto on social media through his HNIB reports.
He reportedly worked with over 500 influencers and bloggers through his HNIB reports, winning Ruto's trust.
Itumbi is among the experts touted to feature in the Presidential communication team.
Other close allies who hang out with Ruto include Energy CS nominee Davis Chirchir, UDA Secretary General Veronicah Maina, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, and Emmanuel Talam-the director of communications in the office of the DP.
