President William Ruto’s purge of Jubilee can be perceived as a declaration of political war against his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta.
On Wednesday, February 8, Ruto met over 30 Jubilee MPs at the State House who pledged their support to the government, a move that Jubilee's secretary general, Jeremiah Kioni, argued was foreseen.
However, Uhuru's resolve was working with those willing to move forward, according to Kioni, who spoke with Kenyans.co.ke.
He stated that the former President always intimated that parties drew strength from those willing to move with it, irrespective of the circumstances.
Kioni also opined that the powers of a party were from the people and not those representing it.
“President Uhuru Kenyatta is aware of the happenings and well understands the political dynamics in the country.
"He has been in charge of this country for a while and has always maintained that if you want to move in politics, you move with those willing. You are strong as those outside supporting," he opined.
This would not be the first time the ruling alliance, Kenya Kwanza, went after Uhuru, in what can be perceived as a vendetta.
Recently, Ruto and his troops launched attacks on the Kenyatta family, alleging that it had evaded tax since the late President Jomo Kenyatta era.
The allegations forced the family's matriarch, Mama Ngina Kenyatta, to dare the government to seize her properties.
Uhuru would, however, take longer to respond to these personal attacks on himself and his family. Nonetheless, when he did, it indirectly termed the witchhunt as idle talk.
Politics and governance expert, Javas Bigambo, who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke pointed out that Ruto was on a deliberate and strategic plan to occasion an unwanted and undesired political climate change in Azimio.
“Ruto is playing a mind game of numbers and numbing Raila, not trying to show rivalling power through rallies.
Bigambo also observed that Ruto’s move was aimed at controlling the legislature.
“Ruto could be looking at having an easier time through the legislature, without being troubled by Raila. And further, Ruto could be looking at having even some Azimio elected officials contest for reelection, if possible, on Kenya Kwanza-affiliated parties or platforms.
“Above all, all these are aimed at disorienting Raila, who is currently on a war path with the President.
Bigambo further stated that Ruto’s move showed that he had various options to crush Azimio and tame its powers.
It remains to be seen whether Uhuru will move in to restore order in his party, as Ruto appears determined to wreck the party that kicked him out from its leadership in February 2022.
