Ruto Must Go: Dislodging Ruto through thorough Mobilisation
The clamor for President William S. Ruto’s removal has gained traction as Kenyans grapple with broken promises, soaring living costs, and perceived incompetence of the Kenya Kwanza regime. While frustrations mount, the path to change lies strictly within the bounds of the Constitution. Impeachment or electoral defeat remains the only legitimate means to end Ruto’s reign.
Extra-constitutional measures, though tempting, would only embolden him, allowing him to weaponize the law and deepen divisions in an already polarized state. To dislodge Ruto, the opposition must pivot from elite-centered strategies to grassroots mobilisation. They must confront his Machiavellian tactics by engaging the rural poor, exposing his regime’s failures, and offering a vision that resonates with the electorate’s aspirations for a better Kenya.
The Constitution as the Supreme Arbiter
The 2010 Constitution, the supreme law of the land, provides a clear framework for governance and accountability. It is through this document that President Ruto derives his mandate, and it is through the same that he can be held accountable. Impeachment, as enshrined in Article 145, requires a supermajority in the National Assembly and the Senate — a Herculean task given Ruto’s strategic consolidation of power in Parliament through his alliances and patronage networks. Similarly, removal through the ballot necessitates massive voter mobilisation and organisation, a task that requires unity and purpose among opposition forces.
Extra-constitutional means, such as mass uprisings or civil disobedience, may appear appealing in the heat of frustration, but they are fraught with peril. They would provide Ruto with a pretext to clamp down on dissent, erode constitutional gains, and justify authoritarian tendencies. More importantly, they would leave Kenya fragmented and polarised, with little chance of rebuilding a cohesive state. History has shown that revolutions without clear frameworks often result in anarchy rather than reform.
The Machiavellian Mastermind
To confront Ruto politically, it is imperative to understand the man and his methods. William S. Ruto is a political tactician par excellence, a master of Machiavellian politics who has perfected the art of storytelling. His ability to connect with the masses, particularly the rural poor, is unmatched. He speaks their language, understands their struggles, and tailors his message to resonate with their aspirations. His narrative of the “hustler” versus the “dynasty” was a stroke of political genius that catapulted him to power.
Ruto lives by the mantra “the end justifies the means.” His ascent to power was marked by half-truths, empty promises, and calculated populism. Yet, he remains a formidable mobiliser who understands the dynamics of Kenya’s socio-political fabric. This is a man who can tour five counties in a day, leaving behind a trail of promises, most of which remain unfulfilled, but still garnering unwavering support from the grassroots.
To counter such a figure, the opposition must be equally strategic, adaptive, and relentless. Merely issuing press statements from Nairobi, as is the habit of some opposition leaders, will not suffice. The rural poor, who form the bulk of the electorate, are unmoved by elite pronouncements in the capital. They respond to personal engagement, relatable narratives, and tangible action.
The Opposition’s Task: Mobilise or Perish
If the likes of Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Gachagua and co are serious about dislodging Ruto, they must abandon their comfort zones and take the battle to the grassroots. The countryside is where elections are won or lost, and it is here that Ruto’s narrative must be deconstructed. The opposition must invest in door-to-door campaigns, town hall meetings, and community dialogues to expose the lies, failures, and contradictions of the Kenya Kwanza regime.
Mobilisation must go beyond mere rhetoric; it requires resources, coordination, and a clear message. The opposition must articulate a vision that resonates with ordinary Kenyans, one that addresses the high cost of living, unemployment, and crumbling public services. It is not enough to criticise Ruto; they must offer credible alternatives that inspire hope and confidence.
Countering the Propaganda Machine
One of Ruto’s most potent tools is his propaganda machine, which churns out narratives that paint him as the saviour of the common man while demonising his opponents. The opposition must counter this with facts, data, and strategic communication. They must leverage social media, vernacular radio stations, and community networks to reach the masses.
It is also imperative to expose the regime’s ineptitude and corruption. The hustler narrative must be dismantled by highlighting the disconnect between Ruto’s promises and the realities on the ground. For instance, while he promised affordable housing, universal healthcare, and job creation, these pledges remain largely unfulfilled. The opposition must amplify these failures and connect them to the daily struggles of Kenyans.
Unity of Purpose
Lastly, the opposition must unite. Fragmentation only strengthens Ruto’s position. Personal ambitions and egos must be set aside for the greater good. A divided opposition is a gift to the Kenya Kwanza regime, as it dilutes the impact of dissent and weakens the prospect of change.
The coalition must also work to galvanise the urban middle class, who are often apathetic to electoral processes. The youth, a critical voting bloc, must be engaged and energised. They are the most affected by unemployment and economic hardship, and their voices can shape the future of the nation.
Conclusion
President William S. Ruto’s removal, will not be achieved through shortcuts or extra-constitutional means. It will require strategic mobilisation, unity of purpose, and adherence to the rule of law. The opposition must rise to the occasion, confront Ruto’s Machiavellian tactics head-on, and take the battle to the grassroots. The future of Kenya depends on their ability to organise, mobilise, and inspire. Ruto can go, but only if we mobilise.
