Politicians' enmity is fake; they are just playing games on voters

From left: Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, ODM leader Raila Odinga, President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta in court in 2006. [File, Standard]

A meme once circulated on social media depicting three Kenyan men—a skinny, casually dressed figure flanked by two well-groomed, towering individuals. The caption posed a thought-provoking question: How would you convince an African child that the unassuming man in the middle is the boss of the two imposing figures beside him? This image, though humorous, mirrors the complexities of Kenya’s political landscape.

In recent months, cracks have begun to show among Kenya’s political elite. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, considered one of William Ruto’s staunchest allies during the 2022 elections, has now turned his guns on his former boss.

Meanwhile, Rigathi Gachagua, Ruto’s former deputy, is consolidating his influence in the Mount Kenya region, positioning himself as a formidable contender and disrupter for the 2027 elections. Analysts agree that even if he won’t contest for the top seat, he will be an inevitable kingmaker.