“There was no time Moi lost the political war of narrative and propaganda. He was always ahead politically. And that is what Ruto lacks. After taking power, his political system simply collapsed. Key Allies took offices and went to sleep. On communication, Moi had full control of KTN, KBC, Weekly Review and Standard. These offered counter narrative to the opposition leaning Nation Media and People Daily. Moi knew that for his political survival, he needed a combination of Political fighters and communication systems that refuted the opposition narrative and propaganda… Right now, 7 months in power, the Government hasn’t captured any media outlet in the mainstream. They are all firmly on the Azimio side.. The social media team simply withdrew the support, since there isn’t anyone coordinating anything. Those who got into offices, simply forgot those left behind. So, both on the mainstream media and social media, there is no force on the Government side to counter the narrative from the Azimio side” (Gordon Opiyo, 29.03.2023).
One thing is for sure, the former Deputy President under Jubilee and now the President of the Kenya Kwanza Administration got a hurdle to pass. President William Ruto has no time to take it easy and relax in office. No, this man has issues, bottlenecks, and things he needs to resolve, and he needs to do it fast.
Ruto got no time and his enemies aren’t planning to slow down. Even if the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition Party was running on vibes and lax ideas during the campaigns. Now months after losing the election and getting into opposition. It has struggled to find a way and a purpose. That’s why Odinga and his allies are on the streets. They need to show force and be a fierce competition to the government. Just so they are sowing the most discord and the most political stalemate to force Ruto to the table or to concede to Odinga. That’s the game and the game-plan. Because there is nothing else to see here…
It is interesting that people are referencing the era of Moi now. When Ruto is in charge, because that is an era, which many thought was over. Alas, both Ruto and his deputies was students of Moi and Museveni. So, certainly they could aspire and look up to these. However, Ruto might want another legacy and another path for himself. Since people are knifing for his head and his title.
Ruto will be challenged and that’s because the authorities aren’t making things better for him. Especially, if allies are involved in looting, destruction, or clear violation of their roles as representatives, law enforcement or in civil servants. They should be investigated, if they are partaking in devious ways during the protests to damage political enemies or cause more harm in general.
As President there are boundaries and means to an end. The President can order and create a quagmire. Nevertheless, the President should be better than enemies. He should stand tall and be above it all. Especially, if he wants to avoid furthering the crisis and cause more suffering. The plights of people aren’t getting better by targeting and haunting the people who are on the barricades for Odinga. It will do Ruto no good to damage and cause more trouble for the ones on the other side. They will only be more galvanized and more hurt, which will lead to more energy and more reasons to protest further. That’s what Ruto shouldn’t do.
That’s why the latest protests and demonstrations only has given leverage to Odinga. He can look like the one suffering and in pain. Even though he goes back to living lavish and living good. While his supporters are living in the trenches and feeling the pinch. They are not in good spirit or have their needs meet. They are played around with and for personal gains of a political elite. A political elite that will eat regardless… while they only will get scraps and possible breadcrumbs, if Odinga succeed. Odinga didn’t better their lives or make significant changes in last period either. So, the ones believing that his fighting for them now. Should see the results of the handshake and the BBI… that will be an abysmal track-record. Though Ruto in office as Deputy and in the Jubilee doesn’t have a fantastic scorecard either. Therefore, the political elite will be off the hook, but people will be the ones who covers the books.
Ruto has to switch up and show a different side. The way and the manner his government has addressed the protests hasn’t done him any favours. Neither does he look good or able to vilify the opposition either. The only thing his getting is trouble. This isn’t the sort of good trouble either. It is only backfiring and Odinga is thriving in the mess. Odinga seems like he enjoys the fire, the hysteria and the tear-gas. It is like his come home after running on vibes all last year.
Time will tell… but Ruto is losing it. Not only publicly, but also internationally. That’s something he cannot afford, and he knows that too. Peace.
MinBane 