What are Ruto’s options moving forward?

Deputy President William Ruto during the Hustlers tournament finals at Mumboha Stadium, Luanda, Vihiga County in December 2019. [File, Standard]

President Uhuru Kenyatta is steadily revealing his succession plan. It is now clear that the strategy is to reduce Deputy President William Ruto’s influence within the Administration and in Kenyatta’s political base in central Kenya. This was expected. In order to be in full control of the succession process, Kenyatta needs to streamline the state machinery and stop the decline in his approval rating within his base in central Kenya. Therefore, while Kenyatta might still honor his promise to back Ruto as his successor, the probability of this happening is rapidly declining. This raises the question, what are Rutos’ options moving forward?

As the Deputy President, Ruto’s position is protected by the Constitution. If he does not resign, he can only be removed through impeachment in Parliament. Such a move would come with enormous political cost for Kenyatta. Ruto still has significant support in Parliament. In addition, an unceremonious removal would most certainly earn him public sympathy by amplifying Kenyatta’s perfidy. It is common knowledge that Kenyatta promised to back Ruto as his successor. In short, it is highly probable that Ruto will be Deputy President for the reminder of Jubilee’s second term.