Kiraitu: Why Jubilee top dogs are viciously fighting Ruto

Deputy President William Ruto is facing a vicious fight by the Jubilee top leadership following fears of what he might do once in power.

Those opposed to him see him as a strong-headed, callous, untrustworthy, and dictatorial character who can do anything to access or retain power.

This is according to Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi in his new book ‘Beyond Politics'. The book was launched in Nairobi on Monday. It was authored by veteran journalist Njeri Rugene.

Kiraitu says the deputy president has committed no crime to warrant the fight targeting him, save for declaring his 2022 presidential bid.

“They are afraid of what he might do once in power. He could be another Moi (former President Daniel Moi), Robin Hood, or Adolf Hitler who must be stopped at all costs,” the governor says.

The governor says that by fashioning himself as the saviour of the masses, the DP has “posed a threat to the status quo and makes vested interest uncomfortable.”

Kiraitu, on the timing of the DP’s woes, said it's no surprise citing the story of Jesus who was buried by a stranger yet he had 12 disciples by his side.

“If you quarrel with your boss, you become a leper and people avoid you. You are politically dead even to your friends. Nobody picks calls from the dead.”

Despite the woes, the governor adds that Ruto is “at the top of the mountain” politically, adding that such heights “are cold and dangerous places to be.” “It can be very slippery up there,”

The governor opines that the DP is not alone in the path of betrayal, elucidating circumstances that politicians like ODM leader Raila Odinga, Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka, and ANC Musalia Mudavadi have gone through.

“In politics, everyone else betrays except you. Who has not been betrayed? Raila, Musalia, Musyoka have been betrayed. Betrayal is the game,” the book reads.

Kiraitu says that politics is not like personal friendships which have strong sentimental bonds and a place where “people love their enemies and hate their friends.”

“There are only logical bonds. Kenyan politics seem to be a succession of betrayals. Political leaders have to keep realigning and repositioning themselves for power.”

To win, the governor says a politician – like in the case of Ruto, must always adjust his friendships to align them with the prevailing political terrain.

“When the terrain and circumstances change, the friendship must also change. This is what they call betrayal.”

On his relationship with Raila, the governor says they are still friends despite him (Kiraitu) having found himself at cross purposes with the former prime minister.

Kiraitu holds that his differences with the ODM leader, whom they are championing the BBI together now, were never personal, but political.

“I would describe the contradictions in our relationship as political. Our friendship is a political friendship determined by our different political terrains.”

He says that they have both experienced “different colours and shapes of Kenya’s political life” as well as share a common vision for the country’s radical transformation.

“But politics is a wild horse. When elections come, we wear different uniforms and run in different directions. Ours is a family affair where Romeo and Juliet love each other but the Montagues hate the Capulets,” he says.

The Meru governor said Raila has played a central role in restoring peace and security, saying such is a pre-condition for human rights and democracy.

He adds that the ODM leader is an idealist who has only been swept by the unending political whirlwinds in the country.

“Sometimes he has worked within conservatives, to destabilise the status quo. But first, he is a politician. He wants power and the reforms may be part of his power game.”

On the BBI, which is said to have restored his ties with Raila, Kiraitu said Kenyans should support the cause purely on their interests – not those of Ruto or Raila.

For the One Kenya Alliance, the governor holds that much cannot be gained from such political groupings as ‘alliances are primarily electoral vehicles that are usually demolished, dismantled or left to die after elections.’

“Those who lose an election will go down fighting and create various political hurdles. Given all these contradictions, it is naïve to expect radical transformation from any of the alliances.”

-Edited by SKanyara