Deputy President William Samoei Ruto is arguably the most discussed politician in Kenya especially due to matters Uhuru Kenyatta's succession. In fact, some local dailies carry headlines bearing his name three times or more in a week. Whether that is the dailies' opinion or opinion sponsored by William Ruto's political rivals is indeed not clear!
William Ruto has faced “resistance” and malice from his political rivals and “political friends.” This is despite the political smiles and pleasantries that the citizenry is treated to in public.
Below are some of the reasons why Ruto is most feared within the ruling class but loved by wananchi.
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1. Aggressiveness
His razor focus approach to issues makes pro status quo individuals shudder! Ruto is one leader who would pursue and implement Government policies thoroughly and in earnest.
Enemies of development would want to block such a leader from ascending to the top seat. They would favour a lame duck kind of person.
2. Firmness
Ruto's serious and opinionated nature especially on issues of national importance makes him a front-runner in the race to Statehouse in the year 2022. Such a leader would deal with persons who are anti-progress a big blow.
It is this kind of a leader that Kenya needs in order to attain her social, political and economic goals/aspirations.
3. People's Person/Hustler
Owing to his humble beginnings and the fact that majority of Kenyans live below the poverty line, majority of citizenry is able to identify itself with such a leader.
It's due to his rise from poverty to his current status that he is popularly referred to as hustler!
On various occasions, the Deputy President has been seen freely interacting and sharing with Kenyans from very humble backgrounds.
Individuals opposed to his style believe in the class system which is a major cause of marginalisation and further impoverishment of the less fortunate.
4. Brilliance
William Samoei Ruto is one of the most brilliant political leaders of our time. He has shown dignified restraint and set control in several catch 22 situations.
One instance is when a section of Jubilee membership publicly poured cold water on his presidential bid; that there's no Memorandum of Understanding... that Ruto will be Jubilee Party's presidential candidate in the next general election. In an indirect response to the tantrums, Ruto urged the leaders to focus on the most important thing - helping President Uhuru Kenyatta to deliver Jubilee Party's Big Four Agenda! In another occasion, a section of Mt Kenya's leadership alluded that they owe him no political debt! In a clever rebuttal, William Ruto invoked the Bible, "Owe no man nothing but love" as recorded in the book of Romans chapter 13:8.
Such wit leaves his rivals off balance.
5. Religiosity
Religion is the opium of masses.
William Samoei Ruto is a religious man. This has helped him build vast networks with churches across the country. This has endeared him to congregants of these churches. It has portrayed him as a God-fearing leader in whose hands the citizenry feels safe.
This fact is difficult for his rivals to water down.
Conclusion
In politics consistency is key.
Whilst the Deputy President advances his ambition, he must be alive to law number 1 as opined by Robert Greene, "Never outshine your master!" He must also be guided by Robert Greene's law number 48, "Assume formlessness!"
If the Deputy President maintains the tempo and corrects his mistakes (if any) along the way, 2022 presidential race will be his to lose!
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