On his just-ended working tour of the western Kenya region, President William Ruto made a public statement that has been the talk of the week. The head of state warned those he described as sugar cartels that he would spare nothing to ensure the industry runs smoothly. But he used some rather hash words. He told them they had only three options: jail, expulsion or be taken to heaven.
I understand exactly why cartels that visit poverty upon our people in this country should be shown no mercy at all. I also understand why Dr Ruto’s audience was just the right one for the tough message.
Western Kenya is the most directly affected by sugar cartels as the region and its people are the main sugarcane farmers in the country. It’s also the home of Mumias Sugar factory, for long largest producer of sugar that was killed by cartels with devastating economic consequences.
The President was addressing people who needed to hear tough talk against those criminals who made their children miss school due to lack of school fees. He was talking to people who were once self-reliant but are now walking in tattered clothes with begging bowls seeking food for their families. Ruto was right to show the sufferers that he felt their pain.
This kind of tough talk is, however, good for campaigns and party hecklers seeking the interest of voters and the ear of their bosses.
But there is just so much the commander in chief of the armed forces of a democratic country can get away with in terms of public utterances. This is why:
First, the President’s diatribe was targeted at people who have gone to courts of law to seek what they consider justice. In a democracy, courts of law are the source of justice. And justice, as our National Anthem rightly professes, is our shield and defender. Courts are where everyone who feels aggrieved should be encouraged to run to.
Second, anyone who has rightly stolen from Kenyans should not just be expelled from the country. They should be made to pay in cash and kind for what they have stolen and, thus, serve as an example to others with like evil minds.
It is, however, the last part of the warning that has many people worried, the part in which the President talks of taking the culprits to heaven! A euphemism for death. The head of state does not have the capacity to personally identify members of the cabals that have been stealing and killing Kenyans due to their corrupt ways.
He relies on other arms and agents of government to establish culpability. And our history has over time taught us that these agents are usually very objective. Giving them the power to arrest, prosecute, judge and execute those adjudged guilty is dangerous to the well-being of the nation.
Ruto is known for his no-nonsense talk. He does not suffer fools lightly and is straight-shooter in his speech.
But as opposed to Deputy Rigathi Gachagwa, he has changed tone since he became President, and many have acknowledged his presidential demeanour.
Until now.
In the realm of politics, decorum, statesmanship, and leadership are the cornerstones of a successful administration. The actions and demeanour of the highest-ranking officials set the tone for the entire nation. It is with this in mind that we must address the concerning behavior exhibited by the President his and Deputy, behaviour that seems more suited to party youth wingers than the dignified positions they hold.
The current political climate is a turbulent one, marked by polarisation, economic challenges, and societal divisions. In such a time, the nation yearns for leaders who will rise above petty theatrics and partisan antics, focusing instead on policies that truly uplift the lives of the people they serve.
Unfortunately, the recent remarks of President Ruto and Deputy Gachagwa have fallen short of this expectation, mirroring the kind of heckling, threats, and theatrics often associated with lesser politicians.
Leadership requires a sense of responsibility and the ability to rise above personal grudges and political posturing. The President and his Deputy must understand they are no longer merely representatives of their party or supporters of a particular ideology; they are the embodiment of the nation’s hopes and aspirations. When they engage in public squabbles, hurl insults and resort to tactics reminiscent of party youth wingers, they undermine the dignity of the offices they hold and erode the people’s trust.
In the era of social media and instant communication, every action, every word is scrutinised and magnified. Every tweet, every statement is dissected by a voracious public hungry for leadership that inspires, unifies, and guides.
When President Ruto and Deputy Gachagwa resort to petty bickering and name-calling, they send a message that trivialises the grave challenges the nation faces. It is not enough to appeal to the emotions of a particular demographic; true leadership involves bridging gaps, finding common ground, and charting a course toward progress.
It is disheartening to witness the President and his Deputy engaging in behaviour that seems more fitting for the fringes of political discourse. The likes of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei are known for their dramatic outbursts and divisive rhetoric. The nation, however, expects its highest-ranking officials to rise above such behaviour, transcend the noise and provide a clear, reasoned, and dignified voice in the midst of chaos.
By forsaking the tactics of heckling, threats, and theatrics, President Ruto and his Deputy have the potential to reshape the political landscape and steer the country toward a brighter future. Let them be remembered not for their divisive antics, but for their enduring legacy of unity and progress.
The writer is a political commentator