Does Uhuru, Ruto truce mark the end of Rigathi Gachagua politically?

Opinion

By Peter Ochieng

For 10 years, from 2013 to 2022, William Ruto served as President Uhuru Kenyatta’s deputy.

The first term in office (2013 to 2017) was a great ride for the duo, with marching shirts, ties, socks and shoes cementing perhaps one of the greatest relationships between the President and his second in command, in Kenya’s history.

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga disputed the 2017 presidential election results, leading to violence and blood-shed in several parts of the country.

President Kenyatta, fresh from being sworn in for the second term, realized that it would be difficult to govern a divided country, leading to the 2018 handshake with Odinga.

The handshake culminated in Kenyatta backing Odinga’s 2022 presidential bid at the expense of his deputy. But against all odds, and as fate would have it, Ruto trounced Odinga to become Kenya’s 5th president.

By the time Uhuru left office and handed over power to Ruto, the two were not ‘seeing-eye-to-eye,’ with the bad blood becoming a permanent feature until this week when Ruto paid Uhuru a courtesy call at his family home in Gatundu, Kiambu County.

The two leaders discussed a range of issues, including the process of appointing new Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners, and supporting Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) seat.

From their friend-turned foe relationship, perhaps Ruto had it at the back of his mind that Uhuru would not hand over power to him, in the event that he beats his preferred candidate – Odinga.

But Uhuru, being the gentleman that he is, handed over power peacefully and in broad daylight. During their meeting, Ruto acknowledged that significant action.

“President Ruto took the opportunity to reiterate his appreciation and commendation of His Excellency President Kenyatta’s statesmanship in overseeing the peaceful transfer of power after the 2022 elections, as well as the goodwill the former President has continued to demonstrate towards his fellow leaders and his support for Kenya’s ongoing progress and development,” a statement from State House, Nairobi stated.

“President Ruto thanked President Kenyatta for laying a strong foundation that has enabled the government to implement key programs under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. These programs include transforming agriculture to ensure food security, achieving universal health coverage, providing affordable housing, empowering MSMEs, developing transport and communication infrastructure, last-mile electrification, and re-evaluating and reforming the Competency-Based Curriculum and the education sector in general, among other initiatives,” it added.

Just like the Uhuru, Raila handshake before, the Uhuru, Ruto handshake came as a surprise to many, throwing others off balance.

One of the people who will find it difficult ahead of the 2027 general elections, is former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, courtesy of the Uhuru, Ruto truce.

Impeached in October, Gachagua had reportedly sought for Uhuru’s audience to chart a way forward ahead of the next general elections, despite having used all manner of unpleasantries against him during campaigns ahead of the last general election.

After being hounded out of office, Gachagua hoped to use Uhuru’s influence in Mt. Kenya to rally the region behind him, and probably sell the narrative that President Ruto had abandoned and betrayed not only him, but the entire Mt. Kenya community.

With Uhuru on the side of Ruto – if it comes to be, it will be difficult to sell that narrative. 

Unlike Ruto, Uhuru and Raila who enjoy massive support across the country, Gachagua, alias Riggy G, is only dependent on Mt. Kenya region to propel him to a higher office – the Presidency.

Among the four leaders, Gachagua is the political novice since his only other political experience is serving as Member of Parliament for one term.

If the bond that brought Uhuru and Ruto together this week continues to hold, there is no doubt that Gachagua will lose out a great deal.