Manyora: Ruto's leadership at risk if he ignores public discontent

Political analyst Herman Manyora has urged President William Ruto to listen to the voices of ordinary citizens, especially the youth, to effectively manage the country.

Manyora noted that in the wake of growing political tensions and shifting leadership dynamics in the country, the Head of State should not ignore the Kenyan youth demands.

 “The side that wants to remove President Ruto from power must know the potential of Gen Z," Manyora stated.

"Ruto must be aware that he cannot resist change—that would be a dream. He must embrace the change by listening to the issues raised by the youth. If he does, he can survive. But playing political games, shifting leaders from one post to another, will not take him far,” said Manyora.

Speaking to Spice FM on Monday, the political analyst noted that even after last year’s protest, Kenyans have not seen any meaningful change.

“You have no business as a country if your people are sick due to a failed health system, hungry, and unable to send their children to school,” Manyora said.

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He said the recent Gen Z-led demonstrations highlighted the frustration of young Kenyans who feel neglected by the government.

Manyora pointed out that the protest was a clear indication that change is possible without relying on the established political class.

In response, President Ruto brought on board individuals who previously opposed his ideologies with Manyora questioning whether these new appointees can genuinely deliver change.

“If you have a clear development agenda but bring in people who had a contrary ideology, how will you push your plan forward?” he questioned.

“To our leaders, it has never been about development. When they realize they are about to lose, they quickly close ranks to protect their interests. They belong to the same club, share the same businesses, and can never allow one of their own to suffer.”

However, he warns that even the young leaders rising through the ranks must be different from their predecessors.

“What has the current crop of leaders done with the opportunities given to them? If new leaders emerge through the same corrupt system, what guarantees they will act differently?” he questioned.

“The only preoccupation of leaders is chasing after money, leaving no room for anything else. Do government officers even take stock of what they have done in an entire day or year in the interest of their work?”

Last year, President Ruto brought on board former governors Wycliffe Oparanya and Hassan Joho who were both ODM deputy party leaders as well as Opiyo Wandayi to his government.

Last week, the government created seven new state departments, reshuffled key officials, and made several appointments, both locally and internationally.

Some permanent secretaries were stripped of the roles of Permanent Secretaries and moved to advisory roles, while others were appointed as ambassadors.

They included Prof Edward Kisiangani, who was moved from the Ministry of Broadcasting and Telecommunication to senior advisor and member of the President's Council of Economic Advisors.

Dr Belio Kipsang (Basic Education) will now move to Immigration swooping Julius Bitok while Dr. Caroline Wanjiru Karugu, former Nyeri Deputy Governor, will now work as Principal Secretary at the State Department for East African Community (EAC) Affairs. 

Karugu was part of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's campaign team for the Africa Union Commission Chairmanship bid. 

Fredrick Ouma Oluga, former Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union Secretary-General, was also appointed as PS State Department for Medical Services. 

Oluga served at the helm of KMPDU for five years before resigning in March 2020. 

These shifts, Manyora argues, indicate a contradiction in governance.

“We say we want a lean government, yet we expand it by creating more state departments. We claim to reduce the number of advisors, yet we keep adding more. We talk about inclusivity, yet we recycle the same people,” Manyora pointed out.

According to Manyora, Kenya’s leadership problem is deeply rooted in self-preservation rather than progress.

“The current political class is fixated on maintaining power. What should move the country forward is not on the table; what is on their menu is how to retain their offices,” he stated.

He further believes that many leaders in office are out of touch with reality.

“Some are simply clueless, while others see government positions as opportunities to enrich themselves. Some cabinet secretaries have the potential to perform, but the system they operate in stifles them. If you refuse to engage in corruption, they frustrate you into submission,” he added.

According to Manyora, Kenya is at a critical moment that demands a paradigm shift in leadership rather than recycling rejected leaders at the ballot.

“Any country that transforms itself must experience a major break with the past. There must be a new beginning, where people break from the big political parties and established politicians,” he said.