Drunk with power? How Ruto allies are losing touch with Kenyans

The arrogance is bleating, and they are no longer hiding it as President William Ruto and his allies demonstrate what critics believe is sheer arrogance and disregard to the electorate through their speeches, actions, and blatant abuse of the constitution.

Luxurious motorcades, expensive watches, designer clothing, lavish fundraisers and high-profile empowerment events have become increasingly common even as many Kenyans struggle with unemployment, rising food prices and heavy taxation.

All their cards are on the table, and it is upon the rest of Kenyans to toe the line. From a massive display of wealth, bragado, dismissive remarks on valid concerns of Kenyans, and a mockery of the opposition, the state and its cronies are having a field day.

This week’s declaration by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga that Kenya needs a dictator to implement programs adds another layer of mockery to the populace and has reignited debate over a current administration that is full of itself and bordering on the danger of becoming power-drunk.

If this is the sort of ‘Pawa’ power that Oburu is pursuing for ODM faithful, his late brother Raila Odinga, who spent time incarcerated in the fight for democracy and social justice, would be turning in his grave in disappointment.

But tables have turned, choppers are hovering, and Oburu is no longer the meek right-hand man to the late Raila. He is the big man enjoying the trappings of the government and pursuing more influence in government.

The statement comes at a time when President William Ruto's administration is facing mounting criticism that some of its allies have become increasingly arrogant, dismissive and intoxicated by power.

Oburu, whose party is working within President Ruto's administration, argued that democratic freedoms were being abused and suggested that firm leadership was necessary to restore order.

"I encourage the President to occasionally employ a level of 'benevolent dictatorship' to stand firm, cut through the political noise, and make the hard, bold decisions necessary to achieve the absolute best for all Kenyans," Oburu said.

Observers believe such calls represent a dark era in leadership at a time when Kenyans have been decrying government’s excesses marked by unending abductions, threats to critics and efforts to silence the media.

While his remarks sparked sharp political reactions, they also fed into a wider national conversation about power, accountability and how leaders relate to ordinary citizens.

Critics say a growing number of government leaders appear detached from the realities facing Kenyans and have adopted a tone many describe as combative and dismissive.

From controversial public statements and attacks on critics to lavish public displays of wealth, sections of Kenya Kwanza leaders, alongside some of their allies in the broad-based government, have found themselves accused of behaving as though political power is permanent and public opinion no longer matters.

Political analyst Moses Ombayo says governments rarely lose public confidence because of one major scandal but through a gradual accumulation of arrogance.

"Power is intoxicating. When leaders remain surrounded by praise and insulated from criticism, they begin to believe they are untouchable. They stop listening to citizens and instead view criticism as an attack. That is the beginning of political decline," says Ombayo.

According to Ombayo, many Kenyans are becoming increasingly concerned by what appears to be a culture of political entitlement.

"The danger is not simply what leaders say. It is the message their actions send—that they are always right and everyone else is wrong. Democracy demands humility, not chest-thumping."

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen  has repeatedly defended the government's hard-line response to anti-government demonstrations.

His declaration that police should "shoot on sight" anyone approaching a police station during violent protests generated widespread condemnation during the 2024 Gen Z protests. But he has not learnt from his mistakes. As the country drools in insecurity, the man at the top of the security docket, instead has shifted focus to early campaigns for Ruto’s reelection and dishing out handouts in empowerment forums.

He has also, in what many say is arrogance and being drunk on power, warned of direct action against Kenyans, human rights groups and opposition leaders who oppose government policies and directives.

UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar has not been left behind and has also courted controversy after repeatedly accusing sections of the media of bias.

Journalists and press freedom advocates have argued that such rhetoric undermines the constitutional role of the media as an independent watchdog.

"When the late President Daniel arap Moi was in power, you called him a passing cloud and said all sorts of things. When William Ruto took over, you started saying one term. Just like Moi was not a passing cloud, neither will Ruto serve for only one term; he will serve two full terms," Omar bullishly said.

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has remained one of President Ruto's most outspoken political defenders. His speeches are often characterised by insults directed at government critics and opposition leaders, reinforcing perceptions that ridicule has increasingly replaced reasoned political debate.

Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has similarly attracted criticism over sarcastic social media responses and public exchanges that critics say trivialise genuine public concerns.

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, Belgut MP Nelson Koech and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah have also faced criticism over remarks perceived as dismissive of protesters, civil society organisations and government critics.

The perception is no longer confined to Kenya Kwanza.

Since joining the broad-based government, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and other ODM leaders have drawn criticism over their robust defense of unpopular tax measures and austerity policies despite continued public frustration over the rising cost of living.

Instead, Mbadi is using his position to stir divisions. This week, the CS claimed that a section of leaders from Mount Kenya were unhappy with him because he is holding the powerful Treasury docket.

Speaking at Nyabera Comprehensive School in Suba South Constituency  when he presided over a fundraiser in aid of a women empowerment programme dubbed Nyang Reswa, Mbadi  said the leaders hate his occupancy of the finance docket.

Mbadi, who was accompanied by the National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wa and his Senate counterpart Aron Cheruiyot, said the people of Central do not hate President Ruto because Ruto betrayed them but because Ruto appointed him.

"Ichung'wa, truth be told. Ruto has not betrayed the people of Mt Kenya. Is it because Mbadi is the CS for National Treasury or because Rigathi Gachagua was impeached?" Madi said.

The CS argued that there are many development which Ruto's government had implemented in Central region.

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, once one of the fiercest critics of government excesses while serving in the opposition, has also been accused by opponents of becoming increasingly combative while defending the administration and dismissing critics of government policy.

For many observers, the irony is difficult to ignore.

Politicians who built their careers condemning arrogance in previous governments now face similar accusations.

Beyond words, critics say the image projected by political leaders has become equally damaging.

In Western Kenya, empowerment drives led by senior political leaders have become almost routine, with several taking place every week.

While supporters describe them as efforts to uplift communities, critics argue they have increasingly become elaborate political showcases highlighting wealth and influence.

Led by President Ruto's aide Farouk Kibet and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, leaders have forgotten their representation roles in Parliament and development.

Instead, they have engaged in giving token handouts to voters in the region.

For many young Kenyans, particularly those who participated in the Gen Z protests, such displays have become symbols of a political elite insulated from the hardships affecting ordinary citizens.

Frank Mwanza, a youth leader from Kakamega, says politicians' luxurious lifestyles have been at the expense of unemployed graduates and families struggling to make ends meet.

"Citizens can endure difficult economic periods if they believe leaders are sharing in the sacrifice. But when leaders display excessive luxury while asking citizens to tighten their belts, the message received is one of hypocrisy."

The June 2024 Gen Z protests reshaped Kenya's politics. Though triggered by the Finance Bill, analysts say they reflected deeper frustrations over poor governance and a detached political class. Critics argue some leaders responded by mocking protesters instead of listening to their concerns.

Mwanza believes that response only deepened public anger.

"The Gen Z movement was not simply rejecting one Finance Bill. It was rejecting arrogance, entitlement and leaders who appeared unwilling to listen."

Opposition leaders argue that democratic leadership is measured by how those in power respond to criticism rather than how they treat supporters.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale says governments become vulnerable when surrounded by loyalists who praise every decision instead of offering honest advice.

"Strong leaders tolerate criticism because they understand it is part of democracy. Weak leaders see every critic as an enemy."

He adds: "Power creates echo chambers. Everyone tells leaders they are doing well until one day voters deliver a very different verdict."

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi says the broad-based government risks confusing its parliamentary strength with public approval.

Drawing comparisons with the late Raila Odinga, Osotsi argued that humility was one of the qualities that earned the former Prime Minister respect across the political divide.

"If Baba was alive today, the ten-point agenda would have been fully implemented without the show-offs, and Kenyans would have been protected from this arrogance," said Osotsi.

He warned that elections are shaped as much by leadership style as by policy achievements.

"Political power is borrowed from the people. The moment leaders begin acting as though it belongs to them, they begin laying the foundation for their own rejection."

As the 2027 General Election gradually comes into focus, analysts believe public perception may prove just as decisive as economic performance.

Additional reporting by Harold Odhiambo