Ruto’s Presidential Prospects Dimmed as Uhuru Rejects Retirement: Exploring Alternative Paths
On Monday, May 22, former President Uhuru Kenyatta threw his successor, President William Ruto, back to the drawing board in their escalating dispute, after reclaiming his throne as the Jubilee’s party leader.
During the National Delegates Convention of the Jubilee Party, which was held at the Ngong Racecourse, the retired president refused to be pushed into retirement, insisting that he would continue to advocate for the party’s interests at the helm.
Uhuru lashed out at his detractors in the Kenya-Kwanza administration, who, he lamented, had threatened him to the point of raiding his family’s Northlands City, with an unyielding spirit and a burning desire to shape the party’s future and rescue it from Ruto’s grasp.
According to political analysts, the statement, which altered the political landscape, leaves President William Ruto with few options for limiting the influence of his predecessor.
Ruto is the first head of state to openly oppose his politically active predecessor, so he is navigating uncharted territory.
Dr. Jane Thuo, a political analyst for Gossip2z, opined that Uhuru was flexing his muscles now that the weight of the presidency was off his shoulders.
She remarked that Ruto’s escape route would be to listen to the people and their cries for help.
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“Now that Uhuru knows where the void is, the populace is no longer as angry with him as they once were. Since he is no longer president, he is not as busy as he once was. He recognizes that Mt Kenya lacks a kingmaker; therefore, he is active to maintain relevance and influence power. He can decide to make an administration’s life unbearable.” Dr. Jane Thuo, a professor at the University of Nairobi, offered her opinion.
Contrary to popular belief, the analyst predicted that Ruto could befriend Uhuru to join the Kenya-Kwanza administration, demonstrating that anything in politics is possible.
Thuo added that the former president’s influence extended internationally, indicating that the Kenya Kwanza administration could not bind him politically or monetarily with his retirement benefits.
“He can donate it to the government because he doesn’t care. About the government’s threat to deny Uhuru his Ksh700 million retirement package, she stated, “They can’t hold him down because he has the financial clout and business network locally and globally.” Approximately April 2023 saw the release of Ksh78 million, a portion of the money.
Barack Muluka, a former secretary general of the Amani National Congress, was of a different opinion, stating that Uhuru required ‘help’ as his time in the political spotlight had passed months ago.
“He requires assistance because the law’s six-month grace period (to retire) has expired. If he continues to refer to himself as the party leader, something is wrong. “Ruto should find someone to assist him, as it appears he is still in disbelief that he is no longer president,” he remarked.
ALSO READ:President Uhuru Reveals Northlands Raid Impact: Shifts Stance on Political Retirement
The analyst suggested that Uhuru’s insatiable appetite for politics was fueled by those in his inner circle who tapped him for money to fund their endeavors, profiting from the stalemate in bipartisan negotiations.
Muluka concurred with Thuo, however, that Uhuru did not care about his Ksh1.2 million pension and other lucrative allowances.
“Perhaps he has lost the capacity to care,” he remarked.
The return of Uhuru has had an impact on Deputy Rigathi Gachagua’s plan to consolidate the Mt. Kenya region before the 2027 General Elections. Gachagua has been on both a charm offensive and a frustration offensive against his rivals to displace Uhuru as the leader.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Usawa Party Leader Mwangi wa Iria blamed the DP for Jubilee’s problems, with the latter additionally accusing him of orchestrating his arrest on what he claimed were false charges. On Monday, May 22, Raila and Iria addressed Jubilee’s NDC at Ngong Racecourse.
Gachagua has the backing of key Ruto allies, including Moses Kuria (CS Trade) and MPs Kimani Ichungw’ah (Kikuyu), Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), and Senator John Methu (Nyandarua).
ALSO READ: Kanini Kega Takes a Stand: Defying Uhuru’s Expulsion
With Uhuru Kenyatta demanding the return of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) and a portion of Mt Kenya politicians pushing for the one man, one shilling narrative, Gachagua was compelled to reconsider his next move.
According to political analysts, Ruto could also be under pressure to recall Uhuru as Kenya’s special envoy, a position he offered the former President after he stepped down in September 2022.
With Uhuru embracing the conflict with Ruto, experts await Ruto’s options, with reports indicating that he may also end the bipartisan talks with Raila Odinga.
However, while speaking at Jubilee’s NDC, opposition leaders reaffirmed their willingness to resume protests to exert pressure on Ruto’s administration.
Foreign powers led by US Senator Chris Coon led talks between Raila, Uhuru, and Ruto to lower the political temperature in the country at the beginning of 2023.
Ruto’s Presidential Prospects Dimmed as Uhuru Rejects Retirement: Exploring Alternative Paths
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