President Ruto’s Double-Edged Tongue: Mastering the Art of Doublespeak
President Ruto: Nothing stops you from contributing to this fund, because it is not a tax.
Ayub Abdi: You say it is not a tax?
Ruto: It is not a tax.
Abdi: What is it?
Ruto: It is a contribution you are making because it is not tax, this is not a tax, because, it is not a tax. It is your money.
Abdi: It is legally binding?
Ruto: Of course.
Abdi: It is not a tax, you said?
Ruto: It is not a tax
Abdi: Why should I contribute? And if I don’t want?
Ruto: That’s what the law says. It is a contribution you are making, because, it is not a tax.
Abdi: Why are you passing it?
Ruto: Because it is not a tax.
Abdi: Why would I contribute to others to succeed? It’s your business as a government. As Head of State, you have the responsibility, you have the mandate.
Ruto: And that’s why the Constitution gives me the power to tax.
Abdi: You are saying it’s not a tax!
Ruto: That’s why the Constitution gives me the power to tax. It is not a tax.
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Abdi: A Bill is coming before Parliament. If it is passed, why would I have to contribute?
Ruto: Because it is not a tax.
A video clip of the above exchange between President William Ruto and Ayub Abdi of Citizen TV quickly went viral on the Internet, becoming one of the most talked-about topics as the President confronted six journalists in the second of his live interviews from State House.
Usually composed and self-assured in front of television cameras, Ruto appeared to have lost his bearings as he struggled to defend the controversial housing scheme that proposes to deduct three percent from the salaries of all workers, with employers contributing an equal amount.
The mandatory scheme, which will apply to everyone, including those who are not interested in purchasing government-built homes, is being pushed through despite opposition from both workers and employers, who see it as a threat to their bottom lines.
Ruto labored to explain, accurately, that the salary deduction was not a tax, but rather a contribution similar to the National Social Security Fund, and that the money would not be used to bolster the exchequer, but rather to fund a social housing program.
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Contributors would have the opportunity to purchase affordable homes, but if they chose not to, they would eventually receive their contributions plus interest.
He also added a patriotic element, suggesting that those with means must contribute to a program that benefits those in need of affordable housing, thereby assisting individuals in escaping slums.
And finally, he added that the program would generate massive employment, thereby rescuing young people from poverty.
Using labor-intensive construction projects, he claimed that Asian nations like Malaysia increased their economies and combated unemployment.
The President may be putting his neck on the line for a proposition that is exceedingly difficult to sell.
President Ruto’s Double-Edged Tongue: Mastering the Art of Doublespeak
While it is true that the contribution is not a tax, few individuals care because it appears on their pay stubs.
The promise of affordable housing may not be a priority for workers buffeted on all sides by what is generally perceived as the Kenya Kwanza administration’s insatiable appetite for new and increased taxes during a recession.
Details on the proposed affordable housing project are extremely vague in terms of project timelines, costs, and payment terms, as well as intended beneficiaries, given that those without salaried employment will not contribute.
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The government also appears to be operating under the assumption that low-cost housing will eradicate urban slums, despite the possibility that the problem is not a housing shortage but rather unemployment and low earnings.
Kenya could provide numerous case studies of projects that are constructed ostensibly for the benefit of slum dwellers but are unaffordable to the intended beneficiaries and are instead adopted by the middle class.
The housing program is merely one of the minefields Ruto must navigate at a time when he is under pressure from all sides regarding proposed taxation measures that, in the opinion of many, amount to trying to squeeze blood from a stone.
The President arrived at the interview prepared to answer difficult questions from Abdi and the other five candidates. Nancy Okware from KBC, Eric Munene from TV 47, Lofty Matambo from NTV, Daniel Kiptoo from K24, and Eric Latiff from KTN/Spice FM as moderator.
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Aside from the repeated assertion that “it is not a tax,” he demonstrated that he was extremely well-prepared, having anticipated all the difficult questions and likely rehearsed his responses.
Without using notes, he displayed a vast knowledge of the specifics of his development priorities and economic recovery strategy, reciting an astounding number of facts and figures.
He exhibited an almost missionary zeal and a firm conviction that he was on the right path despite the skeptics. He was also aware that he must assume responsibility for politically risky measures that will cause Kenyans pain, but are necessary if the country is to avoid an imminent economic collapse.
These include removing fuel and maize flour subsidies, cutting government spending, and even resisting further borrowing, to the extent that public service salaries were delayed for the first time in history last month.
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However, the interview also revealed that Ruto was quite liberal in his use of doublespeak, unapologetic position-shifting, and policy U-turns.
On the economic black hole inherited from the Uhuru Kenyatta administration, the President began by stating that he would not find excuses to blame his predecessor, making a pointed reference to the Kenya Kwanza talking points frequently articulated by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
But as soon as he was cornered on his controversial taxation proposals that contradicted his campaign promises, he reverted to highlighting the dire financial situation he inherited upon assuming office.
One could be forgiven for assuming, based on his responses, that Ruto was the outsider who was unaware of the size of the government’s external and domestic debt and the dire state of government finances.
A viewer of the interview would have had no idea that the man was a two-term Vice President who toured the country claiming credit for the very projects responsible for the country’s ballooning debt.
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The only time he mentioned his time in the DP’s mansion was when he claimed that his office was denied funding during the latter stages of the Jubilee Party administration’s term and he had to pay for fuel for official cars and staff allowances out of his pocket. None of the interviewers inquired as to whether he may have depleted the campaign’s budget by going on the campaign trail.
He also displayed a clear contradiction in his support for reduced taxes on aircraft and spare parts. Arguing that Kenya’s position as a repair and service hub for the entire region. Was in jeopardy of being lost to neighboring nations if the industry was not offered incentives.
Nonetheless, he supported an increase in fuel taxes because differential tax regimes were unitary and susceptible to abuse.
In addition, he supported the controversial doubling of gasoline’s value-added tax. Because the increased revenue would be crucial for funding road development projects. That are currently in jeopardy of collapsing due to a lack of funds.
Ruto addressed additional concerns regarding government appointments. That favor Kenya Kwanza supporters and regions or ethnic groups that voted for him.
He insisted that meritocracy, not politics, was the most important factor.
He gave the example of the new Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla. Who succeeded General Robert Kibochi even though he was among the National Advisory Security Committee members. Who allegedly tried to overturn his election victory by exerting pressure. On the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission at the end of the electoral process last August.
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Gen Ogolla is increasingly being held up as a symbol of Kenya Kwanza inclusivity. With Gachagua pointing out on multiple occasions that he received the top military position despite coming from the ethnic stronghold of opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Ruto then attempted to deflect a question on Gachagua’s repeated claim. That the Kenya Kwanza administration is a shareholder government in which jobs and other dividends will be reserved. For those (presumably referring to ethnic origin) who voted for the winning coalition.
In a nearly three-hour interview, this was the only question that Ruto attempted to deflect, refusing to say whether or not this was the party’s position.
Instead, he suggested that the question be posed to the Vice President. Who, he argued, was more than capable of speaking for himself.
Despite an abundance of communication directors, spokespeople, and specialists at the State House and every government ministry. This perfectly illustrated the challenges Ruto faces with the incoherent messaging that has become a hallmark of his administration.
President Ruto’s Double-Edged Tongue: Mastering the Art of Doublespeak
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