What Uhuru's Easter Appearance Means For Ruto's Govt - Analysts

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta is no stranger to politics, having mastered the art of public relations - a natural extension of politics. 

 

With Azimio La Umoja party leader, Raila Odinga, and incumbent head of state, William Ruto, tied in a contest of power - a chess game - Uhuru made a mark on the current political sphere with a cameo appearance in Mombasa on Sunday, April 9.

 

Like chess, where randomness is excluded, politics is also for intellectuals who understand that they cannot play against themselves. It would have been paradoxical for Uhuru to surface when he was under attack. When his family's Northlands City in Ruiru and Kedong' Ranch in Narok were raided. 

 

He appeared when President Ruto was pinned in one corner, with Raila demanding a dialogue a kin to the Kofi Annan-led 2008 National Accord contrary to the proposed bipartisan talks in Parliament. Analysts argue that Uhuru understands the political dimensions seen from him surfacing during dialogue rather than conflict. 

Uhuru's White Shirt 
 

The former Head of State attended an Easter church service in Mombasa, where he joined other congregants in participating in prayers, singing and dancing. Easter Mass marked Uhuru's first public appearance since Azimio la Umoja mass actions, where lives and property worth millions of shillings were lost. 

 

Political analyst, Martin Andati, told Kenyans.co.ke that Uhuru's appearance signified that he supports the dialogue and peace talks as he appeared when the storm had subsided. He also donned a white shirt, which public relations experts may argue was a sign of peace. 
 

"Uhuru's appearance during Easter was significant because it was his first public appearance since goons attacked his farm. It demonstrates a sign of peace and reconciliation in the face of President Ruto's administration's turmoil," Andati opined. 

 

Supports Peace Talks 
 

He further alleged that the invasion of Uhuru's farm exposed President William Ruto's government as vindictive after the former Head of State's property and family. 
 

"Even the invasion of the Northland farm could not have been with the approval of President Ruto, those who did it simply intended to endure that he was at loggerheads with the Retired Head of State," Andati claimed. 

 

However, on Tuesday, April 11, media reports countered Andati's narrative, with government insiders stating that Ruto was puzzled by the attack and how it was reportedly orchestrated within his administration.  
 

As such, Uhuru's public appearance after the attack on his property was meant to show he still fits well with social strata, including Church settings. The retired president, however, declined to address the media and the public outside St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Nyali, wary that he may be dragged into making rhetorics centred around the dialogue. 

 

Maxwell Otero, a political scientist and a civil society activist, advised President Ruto to reach out to Uhuru and Raila rather than the latter alone. 

 

"Uhuru is demonstrating restraint despite his property being destroyed. In the same spirit, Ruto should move with speed and set a stage with a joint handshake with Raila and Uhuru on a single platform," Maxwell stated. 

 

The joint handshake will ensure the country is politically stable, creating a platform for economic growth and prosperity. 

 

"Imagine a situation in which Ruto would invite both Uhuru and Raila to State House for a joint meeting, at once, the country will breathe a sigh of relief," Maxwell noted. 
 

Still a Kingpin Wielding Power? 
 

Remarkably, Uhuru remained silent amidst all the tension on the raid and the Azimio la Umoja anti-government mass actions. 
 

However, on Thursday, April 6, Azimio's Raila Odinga told Azimio la Umoja Parliamentary Group meeting that Retired President Uhuru had assured him of his support. 

 

Raila noted that Uhuru was fully aware of the movement's progress and was firmly behind all activities, including the anti-government demonstration. 
 

"It's important to note that Uhuru is the Chairman of Azimio and, therefore, a key decision maker. He is a man who still holds a lot of influence when it comes to local and international matters. Ruto will have to give him his rightful place, not only within local politics but also at regional leadership since Uhuru acquired so many long-term friendships," analyst Atandi added. 

 

Kenya Kwanza politicians had accused Uhuru of sponsoring the demonstrations to protect his interest. Some analysts argued he was revenging Ruto for disrupting government activities in his last term. Uhuru had accused Ruto of deserting his duties as then deputy president, but Ruto argued that he was kicked out of office. 

 

Incumbent deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua's, Mt Kenya tours were also perceived as the government's move to dethrone Uhuru as the region's kingpin.