What if Ruto chooses to use Putin's playbook?

Russian President Vladimir Putin. [AP Photo]

But Putin had a plan. At the end of his term in 2008, he did three things.

One, he endorsed his Deputy Prime Minister Dimitry Medvedev for President in the 2008 Presidential election. Two, he got the Russian Parliament to amend the Constitution and extend Presidential term limits from 4 years per term to 6 years per term. Finally, Putin extended the life of Parliament by 2 years.

This technically meant that instead of serving a maximum of eight years, Putin was to have served a maximum of 12 years, and, therefore, his term should have ended in 2012 and not 2008. But more importantly, it meant Putin had not served one full term and was eligible to run again.

Anyway, Medvedev became President then immediately appointed Putin as his Prime Minister. At the time, Putin had control of the executive and Parliament. In fact, he was the de-facto Head of Government.

In the 2012 election Putin run again and was elected President. He was re-elected again in 2018 and somehow got the Russian Parliament to change the law to keep him in power until 2036.

What's my point here?

If President William Ruto ever wanted to lead beyond 2032, he has a framework from Putin.

And if Ruto plotted and strategised for 2022 back in 2012, he cannot be simply thinking of the 2027 election. In any case he has a majority in Parliament and zero opposition. Plus, there is no kumi yangu na kumi ya Rigathi.

If Ruto will indeed change the Constitution and expunge term limits like Putin did, we will swear in the sixth President of Kenya in 2062. Remember, "no one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing it. Power is not a means; it is an end."

The writer, Kevin Maina, is a Research Fellow and Political Risk consultant at The Consulting House. [email protected]