Kenya's Ruto Embraces Rivals Amid Rising Criticism and Political Challenges

By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff

G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation

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Image Source : William Samoei

Kenya’s President William Ruto has made strategic political moves to consolidate his grip on power amid growing criticism of his administration. By incorporating opposition figures into his cabinet and reconnecting with former rivals, Ruto seeks to address the mounting discontent surrounding his leadership while navigating the complex political dynamics in the country.

In a surprising development, Ruto recently met with his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, in what was portrayed as an effort to promote national unity and foster collaboration. This meeting follows earlier decisions to bring allies of opposition leader Raila Odinga into his government, granting them key positions, including the powerful finance and energy ministries. Kenyatta, who had supported Odinga in the closely contested 2022 election against Ruto, represents a crucial political figure in Kenya’s central region, an area that has grown increasingly hostile toward the president.

Ruto’s leadership has faced significant challenges since he assumed office. Public dissatisfaction peaked in June during widespread anti-tax protests triggered by a controversial finance bill that proposed further tax increases. While Ruto defended these measures as necessary to address debts inherited from Kenyatta’s administration, they fueled anger among Kenyans grappling with a rising cost of living, higher fuel taxes, and a housing levy yet to benefit the majority. The protests forced Ruto to retract the bill and later reshuffle his cabinet in an attempt to restore order.

The impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in October further exacerbated the president’s troubles. The ousting of Gachagua, a key figure in rallying Mount Kenya voters during the 2022 election, created a political vacuum in the populous region. To mitigate the fallout, Ruto nominated three of Kenyatta’s allies—Mutahi Kagwe, Lee Kinyanjui, and William Kabogo—to key cabinet positions. These nominations, pending parliamentary approval, are widely viewed as a strategic move to regain support in the Mount Kenya region, which has been crucial for electoral success.

Despite these efforts, criticism of Ruto’s administration persists. Young Kenyans, many of whom were instrumental in the June protests, accuse opposition leader Raila Odinga of betrayal for collaborating with Ruto’s government. The unity government, now including a third of cabinet members from opposition parties, has sparked concerns that it prioritizes political elites over ordinary citizens. This sentiment has fueled online campaigns such as 'RutoMustGo' and strengthened calls for continued protests.

Ruto’s presidency has also drawn scrutiny from civil society and religious leaders, once his staunch supporters, over alleged human rights violations during protests and perceived failures in public service delivery. A recent survey by Mzalendo Trust revealed that the high cost of living and unemployment remain key drivers of public dissatisfaction.

As Ruto navigates these challenges, political analysts warn that his efforts to unite rival camps might backfire, intensifying public anger. Critics argue that his administration’s approach risks being perceived as an alliance of political dynasties prioritizing their interests over those of the people. For many Kenyans who voted for Ruto with hopes of change and economic upliftment, the disillusionment is growing, casting a shadow over the promises of a new political era.