It is tough being William Ruto nowadays. You wake up to new battles every day and the whole world seems to be conspiring against you. The ICC confirmation hearings over grave post election violence allegations that seemed so far away are finally here. Back at home, some wags want to throw you out of a party you founded and out of parliament altogether. Officials of the party you hope to emigrate to want you gagged from using their name. Hell.
These are only some troubling issues Ruto has to deal with and he must surely be spending sleepless nights. Only William Ruto can change his life because only William Ruto is responsible for his woes.
But his life can be far less complicated if he so chooses. Take the ODM case, for example. Everyone is waiting to see if the judiciary under the new constitution and leadership has overcome the timeless political interference. But while the suit is pending and opinions proliferate over the possible scenarios, it stands to reason whether the political matter had to be stretched to the judiciary in the first place.
If is apparent for all to see, and Ruto has stated it countless times, that his new political vehicle is UDM. His conduct clearly shows that he has estranged himself from the ODM party on which he was elected and has dared it to do as it pleases. So why drag the separation through court? Doesn’t Ruto have the guts to do the honorable thing ‑ quit the party altogether instead of waiting to be pushed?
Quitting will settle two things. It will enable him to embark freely on his chosen political destiny and also redeem him politically. He will have the breathing space to tell the country what he wants to do for it as president, instead of the usual vitriol against his arch foe, Raila Odinga, to appear heroic.
Ruto has to prove that he is a good leader after all. He has not been at the helm of any political party, by which he can be judged against his opponents. Some critics believe that beneath his facile humility, he is intolerant, egoistic and head strong – the very criticism he directs at his nemesis, Raila, which therefore makes them incompatible.
Leaving ODM will also show him to be a politician who respects the law. So far he comes across as a cantankerous, rebellious, rabid and and reckless party spoiler in pursuit of power. A man who does not respect the law – the Political Parties Act clearly prohibits promoting or advocating the formation of another party while you belong to one — should not seek to rule the country which is in the mood for organized political activity, fair play, discipline and personal integrity. Why should someone who has fallen out with a party persist in squatting in it while setting up shop elsewhere?
It may look fashionable to his supporters to be defiant but Ruto and Co must not underestimate the public’s perception. They must justify their behaviour. And as far as I can tell —they can carry out an opinion poll to prove it — the public is not sold on the reasons why Ruto and his allies have rebelled against the party. The genesis of their bitterness with the party, or Raila Odinga as a person, appears only self-serving. Great sacrifices and compromises had to be made to get Kenya where it is and the recalcitrance and political brinkmanship exhibited by the rebel MPs are unlikely to win them national support immediately.
But they have found audience and sympathy in the Kalenjin community, which has been whipped into a siege mentality as victims of some peculiar injustice. Isnt it time for the community to audit the decisions and statements of their leadership and the political direction they want to take? I dread the misguided grievances or decisions based on past wrongs will lead the community deeper into the pit of isolation and undermine national cohesion.
They already misfired in opposing the constitution thanks to a spirited disinformation campaign and propaganda. Forming a Kalenjin or pastoralist- led party is not helpful of foresighted either.
Well, there is something admirable about Ruto’s go-getter, gung ho and unflinching courage. His ability to stand up against challenges including such insurmountable storms as the maize scandal during his otherwise superb stewardship of the Ministry of Agriculture requires political acumen.
But his political path is also strewn with failed political projects, including the 2002 elections and the 2007 debacle. The choice for the community is whether to entrust him with leading them into the titanic 2012 General Election as UDM presidential candidate or seek another alliance that will guarantee a toehold on power.
In my view, Ruto must demonstrate that he can belong to a party, be a team player, and accept to be led before graduating to lead. And barring massive political realignment, the prospect that Ruto will be Kenya’s next president is dim. Despite two years of high voltage rebellion and mobilization, his support is largely confined to Rift Valley. That should be something to ponder for Ruto who is reputed to listen to only his counsel.
Makali is a journalist & director of The Media Institute, dmakali@yahoo.com
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