Ruto and His Cronies: Dealers, Not Leaders, And The Economic Disaster They’re Orchestrating

When Kenyans went to the polls in 2022, they placed their trust in William Ruto and his allies, hoping for transformative leadership that would guide the country to economic prosperity. However, nearly two years into his presidency, it is becoming painfully clear that the electorate may have made a grave mistake. The leaders they chose are not builders of a nation but dealers—individuals whose primary focus is personal gain rather than the collective good. This harsh reality has set the stage for an economic decline that may take years, if not decades, to reverse.

Ruto and his inner circle have demonstrated a remarkable lack of understanding when it comes to governance. The complex task of reviving a struggling economy requires visionary leadership, sound economic policies, and a commitment to the welfare of all citizens. Unfortunately, these qualities are conspicuously absent in the current administration. Instead, what Kenyans have witnessed is a government more interested in deal-making and self-enrichment than in laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth.

At the heart of this failure is a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of government. Ruto and his associates seem to view public office not as a platform for service but as a means to enrich themselves and their business interests. This dealer mentality has permeated every level of government, leading to a culture of corruption, nepotism, and mismanagement that is suffocating the Kenyan economy. Public resources are being diverted to projects that benefit a select few, while the majority of Kenyans are left to struggle with rising costs of living and dwindling opportunities.

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The administration’s approach to economic management can best be described as short-sighted and self-serving. Instead of investing in industries that could create jobs and drive long-term growth, Ruto’s government has focused on quick fixes that generate immediate returns for those in power. This includes awarding lucrative government contracts to companies linked to the President and his allies, often at the expense of more deserving, competitive bids. Such practices not only stifle competition but also discourage foreign investment, as potential investors are deterred by the pervasive corruption and lack of transparency.

Moreover, Ruto’s business dealings raise serious concerns about conflicts of interest. Many of the businesses owned by the President and his associates are heavily reliant on government contracts and patronage to survive. Without the steady flow of public money, these enterprises would likely collapse. This dependency creates a dangerous incentive for the President and his cronies to prioritize their own financial interests over the needs of the nation. It also explains why the government has been so reluctant to tackle corruption and implement reforms that would level the playing field for all Kenyans.

The negative impact of this dealer mentality is already being felt across the country. Unemployment remains stubbornly high, inflation is eroding the purchasing power of ordinary citizens, and public debt is soaring to unsustainable levels. Instead of addressing these pressing issues, Ruto’s government has been preoccupied with consolidating power and enriching itself. This has left many Kenyans feeling disillusioned and betrayed, as the promised economic turnaround has failed to materialize.

In a functioning democracy, leaders are expected to inspire and uplift their citizens, to chart a course for the future that benefits all. Unfortunately, Ruto and his associates have shown themselves to be incapable of such leadership. They lack the vision, the integrity, and the commitment to public service that are necessary to guide Kenya through these challenging times. Instead, they are content to exploit their positions of power for personal gain, even as the country sinks deeper into economic despair.

Kenyans are now paying the price for electing dealers instead of leaders. The dream of a prosperous, thriving nation is slipping further out of reach with each passing day. The longer Ruto remains in power, the more entrenched these problems will become, making it increasingly difficult to reverse the damage. The country is in desperate need of leaders who understand that true economic growth comes from empowering citizens, fostering innovation, and creating a level playing field where everyone has a chance to succeed.

However, as long as the current administration remains in place, it is unlikely that we will see the kind of bold, transformative leadership that Kenya needs. Ruto and his cronies have demonstrated time and again that they are more interested in dealing than in governing. They lack the competence, the legitimacy, the integrity or moral obligation to govern.

The critique of Ruto’s leadership and that of his government extends beyond mere economic mismanagement; it strikes at the heart of the moral decay within the corridors of power. This decay is evidenced by the administration’s blatant disregard for the rule of law and democratic principles. What we are witnessing is a leadership that is more concerned with maintaining its grip on power than with fostering a just and equitable society. This attitude has bred a culture of impunity, where those in power believe they are above the law, and where the average Kenyan’s voice is increasingly marginalized.

The erosion of democratic institutions under Ruto’s government has profound implications for Kenya’s future. Independent institutions, which are meant to serve as checks on executive power, have been systematically undermined. The judiciary, parliament, and other oversight bodies have faced increasing pressure to conform to the will of the executive, stifling their ability to hold the government accountable. This consolidation of power not only threatens the democratic fabric of the nation but also creates an environment where corruption and malpractice can flourish unchecked.

The consequences of this authoritarian drift are already apparent. With the government’s focus diverted to securing its own interests, critical social services have suffered. Healthcare, education, and infrastructure—areas that are essential for improving the quality of life for all Kenyans—have been neglected. The government’s failure to invest in these sectors is not just a missed opportunity; it is a dereliction of duty that will have long-term negative effects on the country’s human capital and overall development.

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Ruto’s administration has also failed to address the deep-seated inequalities that plague the nation. Kenya remains a country where wealth and power are concentrated in the hands of a few, while millions live in poverty. The government’s policies, far from addressing these disparities, have often exacerbated them. Tax policies that favor the wealthy, coupled with the misallocation of resources, have widened the gap between the rich and the poor. This growing inequality is a ticking time bomb that, if not addressed, could lead to social unrest and further destabilize the nation.

Moreover, the government’s handling of the economy has been characterized by a lack of strategic vision. While Ruto and his allies continue to enrich themselves through dubious deals, they have failed to implement policies that would stimulate long-term economic growth. Instead of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, the administration has created a business environment where only those with connections to the ruling elite can thrive. This has stifled competition and discouraged investment, both domestic and foreign, thereby limiting the country’s economic potential.

One of the most glaring failures of Ruto’s leadership is his inability to inspire confidence among the Kenyan people. True leaders uplift those they serve, instilling a sense of hope and purpose. They lead by example, demonstrating integrity and a commitment to the common good. Unfortunately, Ruto and his associates have done the opposite. Their blatant self-interest and disregard for the welfare of the nation have eroded public trust in the government. As a result, many Kenyans feel disillusioned and disconnected from their leaders, unsure of where to turn for guidance and support.

This lack of trust is further compounded by the government’s failure to engage with the citizenry in a meaningful way. Instead of listening to the concerns of the people and responding with empathy and action, the administration has adopted a dismissive and often confrontational stance. Protests and criticisms are met with repression, rather than with dialogue and reform. This approach not only alienates the public but also stifles the very civic engagement that is necessary for a healthy democracy.

The situation in Kenya under Ruto’s leadership is a stark reminder of the dangers of electing leaders who are more interested in power and wealth than in the well-being of their citizens. It underscores the need for a citizenry that is vigilant, informed, and engaged in the democratic process. Kenyans must recognize the power they hold in their votes and use it to demand better governance. They must reject the politics of patronage and deal-making in favor of leaders who are committed to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

Therefore, William Ruto’s presidency has thus far been a disaster for Kenya. The country is being run by individuals who have little interest in governance and even less in the economic well-being of the nation. Instead, they are dealers—focused on personal enrichment and the consolidation of power. Their failure to lead with integrity, to inspire their people, and to govern effectively has set Kenya on a dangerous path. The nation’s economic and democratic future hangs in the balance, and unless there is a dramatic change in leadership, the outlook remains grim. Kenyans must wake up to the reality that they cannot afford to continue entrusting their future to individuals who are fundamentally unfit to lead. The time for change is now, before it’s too late.

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