President Uhuru Kenyatta met with ‘William Ruto wave’ in Nyeri tour

By Francis Ngige

When President Uhuru Kenyatta recently made his maiden trip to Nyeri, he was met by an unexpectedWilliam Ruto wave.

Everywhere he went enthusiastic members of public waved their hands and shouted “uthie ugeithie Ruto (pass our greetings to Ruto).

In some cases members of the public who greeted the presidential motorcade loudly wondered where Deputy President William Ruto was.

It is, however, not lost on observers that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga received the same treatment in 2003 when he assisted Kibaki ascend to power.

During that time, the crowds lining up the route from Nairobi to Nyeri described Raila as “njamba” (hero), having played a crucial role in Kibaki’s victory.

This is a dramatic turnaround for a region which just five years ago had great loathing for the then Eldoret North MP, William Ruto.

But things have changed and the former MP has transited into the Deputy President. His alliance with Kenyatta has also made him a darling of the Mt Kenya populace.

Political analyst Prof Peter Kagwanja says Uhuru and Ruto have a working chemistry and “have never been enemies as such.”

“I think the reception Ruto is getting in Central Kenya is real love because he is seen as a truthful leader who chose to stand with Uhuru,” says Kagwanja.

Ruto had earned Mt Kenya’s loathing by virtue of him being a leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the aftermath of the 2007 elections. Actually, it is the belief of many that Ruto is facing crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court courtesy of some people he is currently working with.  But as they say politics has no permanent friends or enemies! In Central Kenya today, Ruto is regarded a hero and is held in high esteem.

 “Ruto proved that he was extremely truthful by standing by Uhuru despite pressure from home to vie for the Presidency. I think he will continue enjoying the same support,” says Kagwanja.

During Uhuru’s tour, the crowds were in a frenzy singing Ruto’s praises. Although the Deputy President did not accompany Uhuru, the ecstatic crowds never hid their feelings towards the man they attribute the Jubilee Coalition success to.

Ruto received an iconic welcome in absentia and going by how the crowds reacted, he would be overwhelmed by the reception. Uhuru who made a whirlwind tour of the region was caught in the cacophonic frenzy as the locals praised Ruto and extended invitation to him.

In all the meetings that Uhuru addressed in vernacular the crowd final parting shot was: “na ugeithie Ruto (Say hi to Ruto)”.

Uhuru would respond: “nigumugethia ndakinya Nairobi (I will greet him once I arrive in Nairobi).

Uhuru addressed rallies in Nyeri, Kirinyaga, and Murang’a before concluding in Kiambu.

In all the rallies, Uhuru could hardly hide his emotions as he thanked the residents for turning up in large numbers to vote for the Jubilee Coalition in the March 4 election.

Political analysts believe the Uhuru-Ruto alliance stands a better than the Raila-Kibaki alliance that was marred by suspicion and other intrigues.

Unlike the scenario in 2002, Kagwanja said, Raila’s undoing was to “start competing with Kibaki from day one.”

“Raila played a crucial part in Kibaki’s win but he immediately started competing for positions just after the election. The people of Central Kenya saw him as not being loyal,” said the political strategist.

In a different view, Kagwanja said if Ruto was interested in vying for the presidency in future, it was clear that Central Kenya would play a crucial role in this endeavour.

“The surest way of Ruto becoming president is by relying on the people of Central Kenya. Ruto is a very tactful politician,” said Kagwanja.

He said the difference between Ruto and Moi, who was considered as loyal to President Jomo Kenyatta, the Deputy President has loyalty and support of his Kalenjin community.

Mwea MP Peter Gitau said Ruto would always remain a hero in Central Kenya for the role he played in Uhuru’s victory.

“This is not a one of accolade, it is the talk in every village that without Ruto, Uhuru would have not clinched the presidency. It is a fact that is known by many,” said Gitau, a TNA MP.

The MP said Ruto would continue enjoying support from people in Central Kenya for his work attitude and what he has attained before.

“He is known for his performance in all the ministries that he worked. And from what he is doing as a deputy president, nothing can go against him,” Gitau said.