President Ruto's Failed Promise to Protect Gachagua from Petty Political Fights

Examining the Growing Rift between President Ruto and Deputy Gachagua

Kenya News / 3:09 AM GMT-3 • May 27, 2024

In a recent turn of events, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua finds himself at the center of political controversy and alleged schemes to undermine him within the government. This comes as a disappointment to those who believed President William Ruto's promise to protect his deputy from the petty political fights that have plagued previous deputy presidents. In this blog post, we delve into the frosty relationship between President Ruto and Deputy Gachagua, the historical challenges faced by deputy presidents in Kenya, and the implications of this rift for the country's political landscape.

Section 1: Historical Challenges Faced by Deputy Presidents Throughout Kenya's history, deputy presidents have often endured major political tribulations, some initiated by their bosses or power brokers around the presidency. From Jaramogi Oginga Odinga to Daniel arap Moi, Joseph Murumbi, and Prof George Saitoti, all deputy presidents faced various hurdles and some were even hounded out of office. This pattern raises questions about the inherent challenges of the deputy presidency position and its vulnerability to political maneuvering.

"I don't think the DP position is jinxed. It is just that the position is a job without certainty. That is to say, the DP serves entirely at the pleasure of the President even though they are elected on a joint ticket."
David Monda, Professor of Political Science at the City University of New York

Section 2: Gachagua's Sidelining by Mt Kenya Politicians Deputy Gachagua seems to be facing opposition primarily from politicians within his own Mt Kenya region, who are perceived to be close allies of President Ruto. Figures such as Governor Anne Waiguru, Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, and MP Ndindi Nyoro have been vocal in their criticism of Gachagua. The deputy president has dismissed them as traitors to the region, but their actions highlight the challenges faced by deputy presidents in maintaining support and loyalty from their own political base. Section 3: The Role of Ideological Alignment in Successful Partnerships According to political analysts, a successful partnership between the president and deputy president depends on individual character and ideological alignments. The deputy president must demonstrate temperance, self-restraint, and moderation in the discharge of duties, offering faithful advice to the president in private. However, even when ideological alignment is present, political differences can still arise, leading to tensions and potential sidelining of the deputy president.

President Ruto's promise to protect Deputy Gachagua from petty political fights seems to be falling short, as the deputy finds himself embroiled in controversy and facing opposition from within his own region. The historical challenges faced by deputy presidents in Kenya underscore the vulnerability of the position and the need for strong alliances and ideological alignment. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how this rift between President Ruto and Deputy Gachagua will impact the country's governance and future political dynamics.

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