Governance and devolution expert, Javas Bigambo, has cautioned politicians enjoying the trappings of power to exercise restraint and adhere to protocol dictates when interacting with President William Ruto in public.
Bigambo, while speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, referenced the incident where Ruto shielded Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi from walking in front of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as the dignitaries left the burial of world record holder, Kelvin Kiptum.
In a video shared widely online, Ruto elicited mixed reactions and analysis by pushing Sudi aside, after the latter missed his signal, warning him against blocking the DP.
Sudi, to cover his blunder, was seen attempting to hug the DP before tapping on his shoulder.
Bigambo, while deciphering the incident, averred that politicians within the President's circle maintain a great sense of power, attributed to the access or proximity to the holders of key positions.
However, their interaction, movements, public appearance and itinerary are guided by protocol guidelines, written and unwritten.
“There is always the illusion of power because of access by individuals who are close to the centre of power, in this case, the reference being the president,” he explained.
“Comparatively, if you look at other African countries, you will realise that there is a manner in which protocol is used, and not only guided but also respected, even if somebody is close to the president,” he argued.
Protocol Training
At the Kenya School of Government, state employees and other top leaders are trained in various thematic areas including protocol, etiquette, foreign affairs and governance.
Bigambo emphasised the need to offer more protocol-related training to individuals holding public office, outside the school's courses, to prevent such embarrassing situations in future.
"In that respect, it is also important for CSs, PSs and even MPs to undergo protocol training to guide them the moment they are sworn into office. So that some of these embarrassments don’t get to arise, or breaches,” he stated.
“Also, one does not need to show the media or public that they are close to the president, because that is when we invite such kind of embarrassments, merely because you want to show you are close to power,” Bigambo, a renowned political analyst added.
Who Takes the Blame for Ruto-Sudi Incident
Bigambo did not pin the blame on any state official but advised the head of public service Felix Koskei or even the head of protocol, to guide politicians around President Ruto.
"In the same way, people appointed as ambassadors always undergo protocol training at the School of Government.“
“Such kind of training, guided and coordinated by the head of the public service, State House, as well as the speaker's office, to address the matter of protocol and training for all leaders and public service officers."
Ruto-Gachagua Bromance?
Bigambo, a lawyer and political communication strategist, also weighed in on analysts who lauded Ruto for managing Sudi but differed from those who claimed that his action showcased bromance between the President and his deputy.
He argued that Ruto acted impulsively because he understood politics and protocol, having served the country in different positions, from a Member of Parliament to President.
“So far we have not seen any display of disregard between the President and his DP, the way we had seen in the Jubilee regime with Uhuru and Ruto. However, there could be some kind of power play behind the curtains, which is more often noticed in Kenya than in any other country.
"This can be attributed to the need to control powers within various electoral borders," Bigambo, a director at Interthoughts Consulting explained.
Critics Differ
Jubilee deputy organising secretary, Pauline Njoroge, claimed that Ruto's allies were frustrating Gachagua in private, judging from the incident which attracted attention within political quarters.
"Sudi literally put back into his place. How could he try to walk in front of the deputy president in public? These are things they do to him behind closed doors. But in public surely?" Njoroge, an opposition party member lamented.
What Does the Law State
Executive Order No. 1 of 2023, outlines the seniority of the Executive, from the President, his Deputy President, the Prime Cabinet Secretary, the Attorney-General followed by Cabinet Secretaries.
Below them come the Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, Secretary to the Cabinet, Principal Secretaries, Comptroller of State House, the Private Secretary to the President, the Chief of Staff to the Deputy President and the Chief of Staff to the Prime Cabinet Secretary.
Protocol officials are tasked with arranging seating and movement positions and will dictate the order of seniority in events not attended by the aforementioned by graced by other leaders including Supreme Court judges, Governors, MP and Senators.
