William Ruto's political summary in five points

Character

Deputy President Ruto is not an average politician. He's climbed the political ladder up to the second highest political rank in the land. He describes himself as a hustler- a narrative he hopes endears him to Kenyans especially the *sufferers*.

His journey can be attributed to his aggressiveness, focus, courageous and brave nature and commitment to political goals. He is a brilliant man and uses this element to deconstruct political rivals in rallies and debates. To be fair, William Ruto is the smartest politician in Kenya today. His quest for the presidency is not an easy goal given the nature of contest the seat attracts.

Deputy President Ruto, 50, will have to play his cards well to rally the entire nation behind him in order to be the 5th President of Kenya.

Rise And Rise

William Samoei Ruto (WSR) is a son of a peasant. His humble beginnings have not deterred him from becoming what he wants to be in life- wealth and leadership. He is well educated with a Ph.D. in matters environment.

He started his political career in the early 90s. He worked with retired President Moi in KANU's youth wing YK92 outfit as an organising secretary. He later became MP for Eldoret North where he served for three terms. He has been served as; KANU secretary general, a government minister, ODM deputy party leader.

For sure with his political position as at now, it's sufficient to say that he's at his political career optimum level. His hard work, sobriety, and firm belief in his goals have enabled him to reach this far.

National Support

Owing to many communities interest in the seat, WSR needs to start reaching out to these communities early enough, telling them what his agenda is and what they stand to benefit should he ascend to the house on the hill.

He needs to change political coalition’s pattern and appearance and bring on board every Kenyan community to his team so that his leadership can be unifying and inclusive in the eyes of everyone. He needs to get hold of all the communities’ kingpins however elusive it is and present his case to them.

He needs to begin with the areas he deems 'unfriendly' to him. This way he will be able to garner the presidential vote threshold to succeed Mr. Kenyatta. It's not a walk in the park but with his political prowess, it's attainable. 

Political Challenge

His biggest challenge would be the opposition he faces in the 2022 poll. His challenger from the opposition and in his Jubilee fraternity remain unknown. He must tread carefully so as not to step on people's toes and to consolidate his support within Jubilee party.

For the opposition side, he has to start reaching out to former friends who have turned to be his furious rivals in order to mend fences and rally them behind him. His running mate option will also make or break his dream. If the candidate will be widely accepted across Kenya is a wait-and-see thing. He has to bear in mind the Kikuyu nation's eye on how he goes about his running mate selection given that they wouldn't want to be 'far from power.' Such factors that complicate his political decision making. 

Exit

In the unlikely event that he's unable to have a formidable team for his 2022 top job bid, he has to have an exit plan or a 2027 plan. More so he has to plan how to stay relevant politically if he's not Kenyans' favorite in the next poll.

Conclusion

The top job is his to lose. Three things he needs to bear in mind; firstly Kenya needs to be united and not divided for political gain, secondly, he's an image that his rivals disapprove and thirdly he needs to win the seat. 

Hon Charles Bazenga