WHY RUTO WILL SUFFER IN 2021.

Ever since the March 2018 handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga, Deputy President William Ruto has been more isolated from the government. 

His allies have often lamented that major decisions made in government were intentionally targeted at the DP. Ruto’s allies have declared war on Uhuru and Raila – and have been vocal critics of the government, from condemning the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) to blaming graft cases on the government.

In 2020, the DP skipped major events hosts by Kenyatta, and had his powers reduces through an executive order issued by the Head of State.  His allies were also purged and ejected from key positions in the Jubilee Party and in Parliament. 

One can tell that 2021 will prove to be a tougher year for the DP and here’s why.

The Building Bridges Initiative (BBI)

The BBI will define 2021, and Uhuru, Raila and Ruto will be at the centre of it all. With Ruto outnumbered, it will probably degenarate into a relegation fight as 2022 nears.

I will no doubt be tough for Ruto who Odinga, has labelled a hypocrite following his BBI stand, and instead urged the DP to openly express his opposition.

Ruto and his allies have been pushing for a consensus, demanding a multiple-choice referendum and changes to the document. The DP wanted the proposal to have the President appoint an Ombudsman amended, the number of MPs proposed reduced and the proposal to have political parties appoint representatives to the Independent Boundaries Commission (IEBC) removed.

Kenyatta took control of the project and stated that it would shape the future of Kenya. However, the Head of State and Odinga are worried about Ruto’s influence and his rejection of the BBI.

It would also clearly indicate that Ruto is against Kenyatta and ready to face him head-on. His support for the bill will be majorly based on whether his proposals would be considered. 

“The BBI is operating without a legal framework. Yes, I participated in nominating the BBI task force, but we had no plans for changing the constitution. The President has never told anybody that I have absconded duty neither have I complained that I have a problem with him,” Ruto played cagey during an interview on Citizen TV on Thursday, December 3. 

ICC Case 

They say that where there is smoke there is definitely some fire. This is one saying that came to mind when International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda hinted at reopening cases against Deputy President  against William Ruto and journalist Joshua arap Sang. 

On Thursday, December 3, she clarified that the cases were vacated and not thrown out of court. 

Sang and Ruto’s cases were vacated in April 2016, after the duo applied for their acquittal citing lack of enough evidence. Bensouda said that the court is ready to receive any fresh information that would incriminate the duo. She called on the government or any individual privy to the case to provide substantial information. 

Lawyer Paul Gicheru who represented Ruto at ICC also surrendered himself and was accused of blackmailing and intimidating witnesses in the DP’s case. 

In an interview with former NTV anchor Ken Mijungu on Thursday, January 23, Ruto disclosed that he was aware of a plot to revive the ICC case against him. Reopening the case would dent Ruto’s hopes of ascending to the Presidency. 

DCI & 2007 Post Election Violence Cases

The decision by the Director of Criminal Investigation boss George Kinoti to revive 2007 post-election violence cases was harshly criticized by Ruto,  Kenyatta and other politicians.

DCI, nonetheless, clarified that he would not be re-visiting 2007/8 Post Election Violence (PEV) cases that were resolved by courts but listening to complaints of victims who felt their lives were in danger. 

The DP and his allies accused DCI of witchhunt and malice.

Sgt Kenei Murder Case 

Sergeant Kipyegon Kenei, who was stationed at Deputy President William Ruto’s Harambee Annex office, was found dead at his Twiga Courthouse found in Imara Daima estate in Nairobi on Thursday, 20 February. 

The case was tied to the Ksh39 Billion fake military tender scandal, in which former Sports CS Rashid Echesa was implicated while  Ruto was roped in it. 

DCI Kinoti refuted claims that they were investigating a suicidal case, arguing that Kenei was murdered by individuals out to protect evidence in the fake firearms supply scandal. The case was never resolved. 

2022 Succession Race

The DP argued that the ‘Deep State System’ was out to prevent him from ascending into the Presidency. He alleged that all the aforementioned issues, from ICC, BBI, Kenei case, the purge and reopening of PEV cases were targeted against him.

He, however, claimed that he has the support of the people and God who would see him win the day. He coined the hustler system in which he targets the youth, women and the church and offers them incentives like money and wheelbarrows. 

The 2022 race would be a major huddle for him as some Jubilee leaders are hell-bent on cutting his influence in the party and coalitions which will be made in the year will shape the 2022 agenda.

Source: Kenyans.co ke