Ruto’s Unconventional Strategy to Outsmart Raila’s Protests
Over the weekend, President William Ruto urged his supporters to come together and hold counter-meetings in their respective counties and constituencies in response to opposition leader Raila Odinga’s recurring protests.
Dr. Ruto allegedly emphasized that the protests have shifted from being solely about the cost of living to a more political focus, urging his supporters to address the matter through a political approach.
During a gathering at Nairobi’s State House, reportedly attended by over 200 elected officials, the President expressed concern over a passive approach towards Mr. Odinga’s planned weekly protests on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
Lawmakers present at the meeting allegedly inquired about the performance of Noordin Haji, the new National Intelligence Service (NIS) head, and Japhet Koome, the Inspector-General of Police, in suppressing the protests. They raised concerns that security forces seemed unprepared on multiple occasions.
The gathering was organized by National Assembly Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro, along with his Senate counterpart Boni Khalwale, and various county assembly whips, according to the MPs.
“His Excellency invites you for a Parliamentary Group meeting at State House, tomorrow July 15 at 8 am. Please be seated by 730am. This is a MUST-ATTEND PG for the KENYA KWANZA MPs. Osoro, CW.”
The invitation was dispatched shortly after 4 pm on Friday, as President Ruto concluded a rally in Mai Mahiu. At the gathering, Dr. Ruto challenged Mr. Odinga to stage street protests once more.
Despite having a busy schedule that involved a forthcoming African Union commitment, followed by attending the homecoming celebration of interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo in Homa Bay, the scheduled meeting was not disclosed by the State House.
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It did not also send photos or video clips, as is the norm, after such an event.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Senate’s Aaron Cheruiyot released a strongly-worded statement yesterday evening, condemning Mr. Odinga for his protests, accusing him of attempting to sow anarchy and seeking personal gains within the government.
“These protests are a product of a refusal to accept reality and the desire to backdoor (sic) a way into government. The intention is to flout the law, the design is to cause chaos and make businesses suffer in the false hope that this will cause a power-sharing arrangement,” Mr. Ichungwah and Mr. Cheruiyot said in their statement.
The duo contended that the protests had transformed into “a criminal enterprise orchestrated by hired gangs, aiming to cause chaos, anarchy, and terror among Kenyan citizens, while also undermining a democratically elected administration.”
“The government is addressing the cost of living but these demonstrations are not about that. They are about Odinga’s bitterness at losing an election for the fifth time. In his characteristic style, he has resorted to violent and bloody extra-judicial and extra-constitutional means to blackmail the people of Kenya,” the statement said.
“In this blackmail campaign too, he will fail. For the avoidance of doubt, the ‘handshake’ is not and will never be an option, now and in the future.”
Mr. Ichung’wah and Mr. Cheruiyot demanded the apprehension and legal action against anyone implicated in the vandalism of property that occurred on Wednesday.
However, the commitment of these leaders to rally their followers “to safeguard lives and assets” might pave the way for a potential clash with Mr. Odinga’s supporters nationwide.
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The Wednesday protests took place in at least 20 counties. “Our message to Raila Odinga is unequivocal: We shall protect our country, our people, our property, and our democracy,” Mr Ichungwah and Mr Cheruiyot said.
Several other MPs who spoke with the Sunday Nation verified that the State House meeting was specifically convened to devise a plan to respond to the anti-government protests announced by Mr. Odinga and his supporters.
Ruto’s Unconventional Strategy to Outsmart Raila’s Protests
“We were called to inform the government side of the programs we have initiated and are conducting. We need to counter the propaganda generated by our political opponents,” said an MP who did not wish to be named.
The legislator also mentioned that attendees were encouraged to respond to the new Azimio strategy within their counties and constituencies.
“Those of us coming from Nyanza were told to go to the ground. In areas without Kenya Kwanza governors, we will mobilize ourselves,” the MP said.
“If there any support is required, we will offer a helping hand. We are saying that the demonstrations are more of politics than the cost of living.”
Our insiders reported that politicians from the Mt Kenya region strongly cautioned the President against any possibility of a handshake agreement with Mr. Odinga, similar to the March 9, 2019 event between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Mr. Odinga.
When he rose to speak, President Ruto is reported to have agreed with the MPs.
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“There will be no handshake. I know how costly the (March 9, 2018) handshake was to Kenya and me personally. The people of Kenya decided on August 9, sending us to the government and our competitors to the opposition,” Dr Ruto reportedly said.
Said Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda: “Several MPs raised concerns about the state of affairs of our country. Some were of the view that we hit back but the President said he is not for confrontation. He added that he believes in the rule of law. The President said the law should prevail even if the opposition does not want to follow it.”
Murang’a Senator, Joe Nyutu told the GossipA2Z that the MPs met as a team.
“We are united by the mandate to form the government, to express solidarity with our team leaders – the President and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua – as we resolve to tackle the nonsense that is Raila and Kenyatta’s mercenary actions of attempting a civilian coup,” the senator said.
“The MPs asked the President and his instruments of power to do all that is constitutionally permissible and deal with the crisis, including exploring the option of arresting and charging agents of anarchy without minding what the world perceives them to be”.
Mr. Nyutu asserted that everyone present agreed that granting legal waivers to individuals who consistently defy political and legal processes and resort to violence poses an unaffordable risk to the country.
A Member of Parliament hailing from Nyanza informed the Sunday Nation that discussions concerning Mr. Kenyatta’s alleged funding of the protests, as mentioned by President Ruto in Maai Mahiu on Friday, delved deep into revealing money trials and strategic gatherings.
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Another MP from Mt Kenya said: “We discussed political activities going on. We agreed to retreat to our constituencies and spread hope as we castigate extra-constitutional means of seizing power.”
“We agreed not to complain should security agents arrest protest ringleaders”. Nyandarua Woman Representative, Faith Gitau, said lawmakers would not support ending the crisis by a Ruto-Raila handshake.
“We allowed the government to use all means within its power to handle the demonstrations, protect life and property and continue implementing the Kenya Kwanza development agenda,” Ms Gitau said.
“We have committed to supporting the government in doing whatever it must do to protect lives and property but a handshake is out of the question.”
The team further decided to engage with the local communities to boost President Ruto’s popularity and lead the government’s development initiatives at the grassroots level.
“The President has our blessings and support. We have resolved to remain united as the UDA parliamentary group,” Ms Gitau said. Nakuru Town East MP, David Gikaria said the President talked of a bright future.
Ruto’s Unconventional Strategy to Outsmart Raila’s Protests
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