Political strategist Mutahi Ngunyi has advised President William Ruto to remain focused on the political strategy, that helped him win the 2022 General Election following his public exchange with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The comments came after Uhuru criticised Ruto during a funeral service, calling on opposition leaders to unite behind one candidate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Uhuru urged opposition figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, to put aside their differences and support a common candidate to challenge the incumbent.
His remarks drew a sharp response from Ruto, who dismissed his predecessor's comments as the views of drunkards who did not understand the direction the country was taking.
The president also suggested that Uhuru should seek advice from sober-minded people who understood Kenya's political and economic situation.
Ngunyi later weighed in on the exchange, directing a message to Ruto through a post in which he urged him not to abandon the approach that helped him secure victory in 2022.
“Dear Ruto: Do NOT lose the 2022 FOCUS. This election is still about CLASS. That is the ENEMY,” Ngunyi wrote.
He argued that the political contest was still shaped by class differences, suggesting that Ruto should remember the image of an ordinary Kenyan businessman that featured prominently in his previous campaign.
Ngunyi also referred to the criticism Ruto faced over his background as a chicken seller, arguing that the issue reflected how some political opponents viewed his rise to the presidency.
He urged the president to turn his anger into a political response rather than allow the latest exchange to distract him from his broader strategy.
“You can get ANGRY or get EVEN. But get ANGRY, then get EVEN,” he added.
The strategist's remarks placed renewed attention on the class-based messaging that featured in Ruto's 2022 campaign, when he presented himself as a leader who understood the struggles of ordinary citizens.
The latest exchange between the two leaders has also brought their political differences into focus as the country approaches the 2027 election period.
LINK: https://www.tuko.co.ke/politics/646499-mutahi-ngunyi-advises-ruto-fresh-clash-uhuru-kenyatta/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAcGRvZgRzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA80MDk5NjI2MjMwODU2MDkAAR8GW7TE-6vshyein1oV8j4uSuMDMltFJQThdXPekPHZP_DVbKfbXUaQXkwrnA_aem_pDU9R-gn3qIfMQrOzHxzQg
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