#kenyapolitics

Growing up in the lake region—Lake Lolwe, famously known as Lake Victoria—we were introduced to Raila Odinga as our Kingpin. At first, this was almost a fanatic following, an inherited, inexplicable penchant for the son of Jaramogi.  Like his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga,  stories went around that Raila was indomitable, indefatigable, and somewhat beyond human destruction. This is the reason…

Over a year has passed since William Ruto was sworn in as Kenya’s fifth president. He took office amid a storm of economic challenges—soaring food and fuel prices, rising unemployment, and a daunting national debt.

During his campaign, Ruto cast himself as the champion of the common citizen. He vowed to reform a corrupt system, restore good governance, uphold the rule of law, and prioritize the needs of the poor. He pledged to end the cycle of ethnic-based politics and to strengthen constitutionalism—pillars essential for stability, economic growth, and equitable resource distribution.

These promises resonated deeply. For decades, Kenya's political elite have exploited ethnic divisions to secure power, weakening state institutions and fueling corruption and impunity. My research into democratic transitions, elections, and state-building in Africa—particularly my 2018 book—illustrates how such practices have undermined Kenya’s progress.

In his first year, Ruto made notable strides in fulfilling some campaign pledges. He took swift actions that did not require constitutional reforms, such as easing tensions between the executive and judiciary, separating police finances from the executive arm, and returning port operations to Mombasa from Naivasha. But his administration has struggled to ease the economic burden facing most Kenyans.

A Worsening Economy

Ruto presented himself as a political outsider with the vision to lift the poor from economic despair. Yet, under his leadership, life has become harder for many. Inflation has spiked, largely due to increased fuel costs and a depreciating currency. The removal of subsidies on fuel and food—intended to reduce reliance on foreign debt—has hit Kenyans hard. Meanwhile, new taxes have further strained household incomes.

His administration has prioritized fertilizer subsidies to boost agricultural productivity, but it remains uncertain whether this alone can secure food self-sufficiency. More comprehensive and strategic reforms are needed to revive agriculture, Kenya’s economic backbone.

The launch of the “Hustler Fund,” aimed at making credit more accessible to low-income earners, was a step toward economic inclusion. However, its potential benefits risk being nullified by punitive tax policies and a sluggish economy that stifles job creation and business growth.

Rule of Law: Mixed Progress

Ruto began his presidency with a symbolic move—appointing six judges previously blocked by his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta. He also increased budgetary support for the judiciary. These gestures reinforced his message of respect for the rule of law.

However, true adherence to constitutionalism demands more. Judicial integrity must be unwavering. The law should apply equally to all, including the political elite. While Ruto has, at times, accepted unfavourable court rulings, his administration has also faced accusations of flouting court orders, echoing past regimes.

The president also spoke out against extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances by the police, and delivered on his promise to grant the police financial autonomy. Yet, the culture of impunity within the police force remains intact. Extrajudicial killings persist, and without robust civilian oversight, constitutional reforms risk remaining symbolic.

Ruto’s pledge to establish a commission of inquiry into state capture under Kenyatta’s administration remains unfulfilled—a notable failure in his anti-corruption agenda. Without such accountability, his commitment to fighting graft appears hollow. Tackling corruption decisively—recovering stolen assets and prosecuting economic crimes—would reduce reliance on taxation and borrowing.

National Cohesion: A Fragile Foundation

One of Ruto’s biggest challenges remains national unity. His administration has fallen into the same patterns of patronage, ethnic favoritism, and recycling of political appointees. Disturbingly, some top officials continue to openly engage in divisive ethnic rhetoric without facing consequences.

Despite his campaign against elite deals and political accommodations, Ruto eventually engaged in dialogue with opposition leaders following their protests. While intended to ease political tensions, these talks may pave the way for constitutional amendments creating more political positions—a move many see as a betrayal of his original anti-dynasty, pro-hustler stance.

Kenya remains fractured along ethnic, regional, economic, and religious lines—a legacy of past administrations. Ruto must transcend ethnic allegiances and adopt a meritocratic approach in public appointments. Most critically, he must reconnect with the “hustler nation”—the disenfranchised masses who were instrumental in his rise to power.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has stated that President William Ruto’s chances of re-election in 2027 are slim, even if he secures the support of Raila Odinga.

Sifuna, a vocal member of the opposition, argued that the Kenya Kwanza coalition, led by Ruto, has failed to win the confidence of the public, citing incompetence as the key factor behind the President’s dwindling popularity. He made it clear that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will not support the current administration, despite suggestions from other party members.

“Even with ODM’s support, Ruto will lose the 2027 elections. As a party, we do not support the direction in which this country is headed under his leadership,” Sifuna declared in an interview on Citizen TV.

He added that ODM will only align itself with like-minded political parties that prioritize the welfare of Kenyans and demonstrate effective governance.

“We will not be forced into alliances with parties that are incompetent. The Kenya Kwanza government has shown itself to be the most ineffective since independence,” Sifuna stated.

The remarks come amid claims that ODM is secretly aligning with the government, following the formation of a broad-based administration. ODM Deputy Party Leader, however, dismissed these allegations, while Kisii Governor Simba Arati reassured that the party remains separate from Kenya Kwanza, urging members to uphold the party's principles.

Internally, ODM is divided over its stance toward Ruto’s government, with some members criticizing the President’s leadership. A faction within the party believes ODM should focus on securing the presidency in 2027, rejecting certain presidential appointments and accusing other members of excessive praise for Ruto.

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has urged for continued cooperation between the opposition and the government despite ODM leader Raila Odinga’s loss in the race for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.

Support for Raila's AUC Bid: UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar emphasized that the government, led by President William Ruto, did its part to support Raila Odinga in securing the AUC top seat. Despite Odinga's defeat to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Omar reaffirmed the government's commitment to backing Odinga's bid.

Emphasis on Unity: Hassan Omar expressed that the outcome of the election should not derail the efforts of building a united Kenya. He highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between President Ruto and Odinga, stressing that this alliance remains crucial for the country’s future.

President Ruto's Solidarity with Raila: The UDA party praised President Ruto for his steadfast support of Raila Odinga throughout the AUC chairmanship campaign, underlining his courage in standing by the ODM leader until the end. Omar noted that while luck was not on Odinga's side, the future still holds potential for further opportunities.

Call for Political Solidarity: The statement also called for political unity, encouraging both Ruto and Odinga to remain in solidarity, as their cooperation is viewed as a key component in fostering national progress.

Future Prospects: Despite the setback, Omar expressed optimism about future opportunities, stressing that the political landscape may present new avenues for success, urging leaders to stay united for the benefit of Kenya.

Explore the various challenges encountered by Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi during his presidency in Kenya, including political instability, corruption, poverty, human rights violations, and regional tensions. Questions b) Describe the challenges that Moi faced as the president of Kenya. Answers Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi faced numerous challenges during his presidency, including: Attempted Coup…

Dear subscriber, We apologize for not giving or writing the weekly review last weekend bare with us, in today’s review we start we the news that shocked many as Raila and Ruto met and made Truce now what next for them we have also prepared you with other hit head news updates take a look. 1.Ruto and Odinga Unite in Bid for AU Commission Chairmanship,2. Faith Odhiambo Elected President of Law…