William Ruto hosts Luhya leaders at State house and there are many prominent faces missing. One of these leaders locked out of the meeting complains. What is going on here for a president who desperately needs the populous Luhya not only to survive in office but for any future political ambitions he may have?
It is difficult not to perceive Ruto's absence of certain Luhya leaders as a calculated, Machiavellian manoeuvre. Is it an attempt to destabilise the unity of Luhya leaders, thereby reducing their collective bargaining power? Or is it a careful ploy, a tactic to create divisions that he can exploit for his own political gain? This strategy, while effective in the short term, could prove detrimental to Ruto's future political ambitions. Does the President not realise that to alienate key Luhya figures might lead to a significant loss of support in the long term or an open rebellion at some point? Or perhaps, this is a risk Ruto is willing to take, a sacrifice he deems necessary.
A critical analysis of Ruto's strategy to win over the Luhya community
President William Ruto's strategy to ingratiate himself with the Luhya community has been at best, Machiavellian. A candy-coated manoeuvre reeking of duplicity and opportunism, yet, not devoid of strategic brilliance. Let's delve into the nuances of this intriguing political chess game, shall we?
On the surface, it appears as though Ruto is using the traditional political approach of promising development and greener pastures. But a closer look reveals a more complex strategy. His pitch to the Luhya community, however, raises more questions than it answers.
"Is it genuine concern for the Luhya people or a well-calculated move to win the community's vote in 2027?"
The answer is not as straightforward as one might think. It's a blend of both, leaning more towards the latter.
Ruto has been intentionally making frequent visits to Western Kenya, a traditional stronghold of Azimio leader Raila Odinga. He has been strategically aligning himself with local politicians, a move that has boosted his image as a friend of the Mulembe nation. But what is the intention behind this?
"Is it altruism, or is it a calculated political move to secure a significant voting bloc?"
As the old adage goes, there are no permanent friends or enemies in politics, only interests. Ruto's interest, it appears, is to secure the Luhya vote as a vital piece in his 2027 presidential bid puzzle. His alliances with Luhya politicians, therefore, are likely to be more strategic than genuine.
Not forgetting his efforts to split opposition leaders in the region, a strategy aimed at creating disunity and confusion among the Luhya voters. Is this not a classic case of divide and rule?
Furthermore, he has been making generous donations to local causes and groups, a move that has endeared him to the locals. But does this generosity stem from genuine concern or is it simply an attempt to buy loyalty?
Despite these Machiavellian tactics, one has to admire the shrewdness of Ruto's strategy. He understands the power dynamics in Kenyan politics and is playing his cards right. Nonetheless, the ultimate question remains:
"Will the Luhya community see through his tactics or will they fall for his well-orchestrated political charm offensive?"
The answer to this question holds the key to Ruto's political future and indeed, the future of Kenyan politics. Don't miss: Ruto's Machiavellian strategy against Luhya leaders plays out in State House meeting
