Opinion

William Ruto: The President Who Lost Kenya’s Trust Through Micromanagement, Patronage, And Repression

BY Soko Directory Team · December 21, 2024 03:12 pm

KEY POINTS

William Ruto’s presidency is shaping up to be one of the most controversial in Kenya’s recent history, a tenure defined by an insatiable need for control, a lack of competent representation, and a political strategy that mirrors some of the darkest chapters in Kenya’s governance. Unlike his predecessors, Ruto lacks the presence of dignified and authoritative individuals to shoulder the weight of his government, leaving him perpetually in the public eye. This absence not only undermines his stature as president but has also significantly eroded the respect and aura typically associated with the office.

In the eras of Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, figures like Francis Muthaura, John Michuki, Fred Matiang’i, and Karanja Kibicho were pillars of governance. These were individuals who could speak with authority, act decisively, and inspire confidence across the political spectrum. They shielded the president, allowing him to remain a figure of reverence and focus on broader statecraft. In contrast, Ruto has surrounded himself with individuals who lack gravitas, competence, and national recognition. Cabinet secretaries and advisors under his administration often appear as mere echoes of his directives, incapable of standing on their own or commanding the respect of the citizenry.

This deficiency has forced Ruto to micromanage his government, becoming the spokesperson for nearly every issue, large or small. From launching trivial projects to addressing national crises, the president is omnipresent. The once-mystical aura of the presidency has been replaced with an unsettling ordinariness. Scarcity breeds value, and Ruto’s constant visibility has rendered his presence unremarkable, if not outright irritating to many. Where Moi’s rare public appearances evoked a mix of reverence and fear, Ruto’s ubiquity has diminished his office to that of a chief campaigner perpetually on the trail.

Ruto’s obsession with loyalty and control has further alienated him from the very people he seeks to govern. His administration operates on a deeply personalized system of patronage, where appointments and state resources are distributed based on allegiance rather than merit. This approach echoes the worst excesses of Kenya’s past but with an added veneer of desperation. He demands absolute subservience, sidelining dissenters and critics through blackmail, intimidation, and state repression. The result is a government that lacks diversity of thought, innovative solutions, and, most critically, public trust.

The president’s hostility to criticism is palpable. Journalists, civil society, and opposition voices have been met with overt repression. His administration has leaned heavily on police violence and state machinery to silence dissent. This echoes the Moi era, yet Ruto lacks Moi’s ability to instill fear and obedience. Instead, his tactics come across as clumsy and heavy-handed, further alienating the Kenyan people and exposing his insecurities as a leader.

Economically, Ruto’s tenure mirrors Uhuru’s in its prioritization of personal wealth accumulation over national well-being. His government has continued policies that enrich a select few at the expense of the majority, exacerbating inequality and deepening public discontent. The president’s “hustler” narrative has proven to be hollow, a campaign gimmick that evaporated once he assumed office. His so-called bottom-up economic model has failed to materialize, leaving millions of Kenyans struggling under the weight of rising taxes, inflation, and unemployment.

Ruto’s personalized style of governance, characterized by frequent donations and directives, has also drained state coffers. His visits to counties, often accompanied by large entourages and generous monetary pledges, are perceived as politically motivated rather than genuine attempts to improve lives. This culture of performative governance undermines institutional structures and reduces the presidency to a traveling circus of announcements and photo ops.

Despite his attempts to consolidate power, Ruto has not been able to command respect from key institutions or the public. His administration is marred by scandals, ranging from questionable appointments to allegations of mismanagement and corruption. The president himself has been accused of using state resources for political gain, a charge that further undermines his credibility and that of his government.

The Kenyan people’s dissatisfaction with Ruto is not without basis. His policies have failed to address the most pressing issues facing the country, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Instead, his focus remains on consolidating power and punishing perceived enemies. This approach not only deepens divisions within the country but also stifles any hope for genuine progress.

Ruto’s playbook is a dangerous blend of repression, patronage, and populism. His reliance on state violence to quell dissent reflects a leader unwilling to engage with the legitimate grievances of his people. His government’s heavy-handed tactics during protests and public demonstrations are a stark reminder of his authoritarian tendencies. Yet these actions have not silenced criticism; they have only amplified it.

The president’s inability to delegate effectively or build a competent team is perhaps his most glaring weakness. Leadership requires the ability to inspire, trust, and empower others. Ruto’s need to be at the center of everything has not only exhausted him but also diminished the office he holds. A president must be a symbol of unity, vision, and strength. Ruto’s governance, by contrast, is defined by micromanagement, insecurity, and an alarming lack of direction.

William Ruto’s presidency is a cautionary tale for Kenyans. It underscores the dangers of electing a leader whose primary concern is power rather than service. His administration has failed to deliver on its promises, opting instead for theatrics and repression. As Kenyans grapple with the realities of his leadership, the need for accountability and systemic change has never been more urgent. The man who campaigned as a champion of the “hustlers” has, in practice, proven to be anything but.

About Soko Directory Team

Soko Directory is a Financial and Markets digital portal that tracks brands, listed firms on the NSE, SMEs and trend setters in the markets eco-system. Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/SokoDirectory and on Twitter: twitter.com/SokoDirectory