The political fixers shaping State House race

Deputy President William Ruto addresses traders at Khayega Market during an empowerment programme in Kakamega County. [Susan Nyamasege, DPPS]

The race for the presidency demands that aspirants cover as much ground as possible. However, no political bigwig can be everywhere at once, hence need for trusted allies who steer the campaigns.

From singing their bosses’ chorus on the campaign trail to wooing defectors to their camps, such individuals call the shots in the grassroots.  

These aides, cherry-picked by their masters owing to their unquestionable loyalty, serve as mouthpieces whose words carry as much weight as their master's. As the country draws close to next year's August 9 General Election, their roles will be enhanced.

Deputy President William Ruto has his people for this job, and so does ODM leader Raila Odinga. The same is true for Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and ANC's Musalia Mudavadi, Kanu chairperson Gideon Moi and Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula.

After winning over Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru for their boss, Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika and Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa have set their eyes on Laikipia Women Representative Cate Waruguru, who is expected to return to Ruto’s camp.

The role of Ms Jumwa and Ms Kihika in the current political dispensation is replicated in any political formations, that of political fixers used by their bosses to do key assignments.

Other Ruto's political fixers are MPs Aden Duale (Garissa Township), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira), Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu) and Kimani Ichung’wa (Kikuyu). They are the ones used to deliver Ruto’s most sensitive messages.

Raila’s corner comprises his brother Dr Oburu Oginga, governors Hassan Joho (Mombasa) and Wycliffe Oparanya (kakamega), Siaya Senator James Orengo, MPs Junet Mohamed (Suna East) and Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja).

At any one given time, Raila will likely be seen with Junet or Joho. The Suna East MP has been branded Raila's political son.

In his trip to Dubai in United Arabs Emirates, Raila is accompanied by the MP and the Mombasa governor.

In Kalonzo's circle are senators Mutula Kilonzo Jr (Makueni) and Enoch Wambua (Kitui), while Mudavadi has Lugari MP Ayub Savula and Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala.

Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika in a past function.[Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Before Waiguru defected to Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance, Savula had tried to court her to join Mudavadi’s ANC party, offering moral support during her encounter with the anti-corruption agency.

Gideon’s blue-eyed boys include Kanu Secretary General Nick Salat and Tiaty MP William Kamket.

On the other hand, when Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa speaks, his words are never far from Wetang’ula's.

In wooing new allies, fixers play the part of emissaries sent out to seek the support of people deemed to enjoy significant support of the masses.

The politicians and their 'godfathers' enjoy a symbiotic relationship. While they help their political top guns to flourish, they also gain political clout because of their proximity to the powers that be.

In the governments of founding President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, the late former President Moi and former President Kibaki, the fixers were powerful and influential persons key to the success of their bosses stay in power. 

“They do what their godfathers can’t do directly. They can also take risks that their bosses can’t,” says political commentator Herman Manyora, who argues that the role such fixers play is critical.

“You can send them to break the ice because someone may not be as comfortable talking to their godfathers directly as they are to the fixers. The good thing is you can deny ever sending them.” 

A habit that analyst Dismus Mokua describes as plausible deniability.

“Politicians use them to test the waters. If the outcome is positive they take the credit, if not, they deny ever sending them,” says Mokua.

“Politicians tend to have big egos. They may know someone would help them secure a particular seat but would not approach them directly. They fear adverse outcomes and mostly make moves when the outcome is certain.”

Their presence, Mokua says, can be a key success factor in any election.

“To be successful in a Kenyan election you need ethnic numbers, strategies and financial resources. You can send emissaries to people with access to ethnic numbers, solid strategists and also to fundraise."

 “They have unlimited access to the candidates, they can read their minds and intentions and their body language,” he says, adding that this makes them act with authority.?