In a striking turn of events, President William Ruto’s government seems to be navigating a treacherous political storm, with no clear direction and leadership faltering at home and abroad.
The state machinery, once thought to be a steady vessel guiding the nation forward, appears to be in chaos. As the country faces mounting economic challenges, internal political squabbles, and crumbling international relations, the handlers of President Ruto appear to be failing him on multiple fronts, steering the ship into rough waters. The question on everyone’s lips: is the government rudderless, or simply sinking?
From the moment Ruto took office, his presidency was expected to be one of bold change. With promises of a ‘hustler’s revolution’ and a focus on economic empowerment for ordinary Kenyans, many expected a vigorous leadership style.
However, a mere few months into his administration, the cracks are beginning to show. Critics argue that the government’s machinery is malfunctioning, and those meant to support the president’s vision are instead undermining it.
“President Ruto’s administration lacks coherence and focus,” says renowned governance expert and constitutional lawyer Bobby Mkangi.
“There seems to be no clear strategy to manage the country’s internal affairs or its international relations. It’s as though we have a government that is completely unprepared for the demands of leadership.”
The much-publicized ‘hustler’ agenda, which was to elevate the lives of the ordinary Kenyan, is slowly turning into an ill-fated shipwreck as both domestic and international challenges mount.
The economy is facing inflation, a rising cost of living, and widespread unemployment. The state machinery, tasked with handling these critical issues, is mired in bureaucratic inefficiency, corruption, and infighting, which has exacerbated the dire situation.
A government at war with itself
One of the most alarming aspects of the Ruto administration is the ongoing infighting within his ranks. Government officials often appear at odds, with little cohesion or shared vision. It seems as if the president’s handlers have failed to rein in this infighting, leaving them to wrestle for power and influence, even as critical policy decisions stagnate.
Willis Otieno, a political analyst and former advisor to various Kenyan governments, argues that the internal strife in Ruto’s administration is crippling the country’s decision-making process.
“The government is fragmented, with ministers more focused on internal battles rather than addressing the needs of the people,” Otieno says. “This lack of unity and coordination is sinking the administration.”
Instead of functioning as a cohesive unit with a singular vision for Kenya’s future, the government appears stuck in a loop of self-preservation and petty political squabbles. The result has been a palpable lack of action on critical issues such as economic reforms, job creation, and poverty alleviation. The presidency is now marred by indecisiveness, with those around Ruto failing to chart a course to steer Kenya out of its troubles.
Another issue that continues to plague the Ruto government is the rampant corruption that seems to have worsened rather than improved. Under the banner of his “bottom-up” economic agenda, Ruto promised a crackdown on corruption, with an emphasis on ensuring that wealth and opportunities trickle down to the ordinary Kenyan. However, the reality seems far from what was promised.
Prof. PLO Lumumba, the well-respected former head of Kenya’s Ethics and Anti -Corruption Commission (EACC)has been outspoken about the rising corruption under Ruto’s regime.
“Corruption is not just a scourge in Kenya; it is now the fuel that drives the machinery of government,” Lumumba told Kurunzi News.
“If the president and his handlers do not act decisively, they will find themselves on the wrong side of history.”
Instead of putting in place concrete measures to tackle graft, Ruto’s government appears to be either turning a blind eye to the pervasive corruption or, worse, tacitly enabling it. The public sector is mired in scandal after scandal, with high-ranking government officials reportedly siphoning off public funds, creating a credibility gap that undermines Ruto’s own anti-corruption rhetoric.
Disjointed diplomacy
On the international stage, Ruto’s government has struggled to assert itself as a credible actor. His administration was expected to play a pivotal role in fostering regional stability and expanding Kenya’s global influence, but this ambition is slipping further out of reach. Diplomatic blunders, including poorly handled foreign relations and disjointed policies, have left Kenya’s foreign policy in disarray.
“The international community is beginning to doubt Kenya’s ability to lead on the regional and global stage,” says Bobby Mkangi. “Ruto’s government has not been able to position Kenya as a reliable partner in regional and international diplomacy, and this is severely undermining the country’s influence.”
The ongoing diplomatic crises between Kenya and neighboring nations, coupled with Ruto’s shifting foreign policy stances, have weakened the country’s position in the international community. His lack of a coherent strategy for engaging with the global powers, particularly in regard to trade and foreign investment, leaves Kenya at risk of being sidelined in key global discussions.
Rogue Handlers
At the heart of this shipwreck lies the failure of Ruto’s handlers. The team responsible for guiding the president through both domestic and international crises has been ineffective at best and disastrous at worst. Ruto’s circle of advisors, many of whom were once considered political heavyweights, now seem like passengers on the ship, unable to steer it clear of danger.
Otieno points out that the president’s inner circle has not demonstrated the political savvy needed to navigate the complex issues facing Kenya.
“There is a severe disconnect between what the president’s handlers are advising and what the Kenyan people are actually experiencing on the ground,” he says.
“There’s a lack of engagement with the grassroots, and the reality is that Ruto’s administration is being carried along by a sea of discontent and mistrust.”
Ruto’s handling of his internal communications and public relations has also left much to be desired. His speeches and public addresses, often heavy on rhetoric but light on substance, have failed to inspire confidence in his leadership. Instead of offering solutions, the president’s public appearances have seemed more like a series of damage control efforts rather than an affirmation of strong, decisive leadership.
As Ruto’s presidency faces one challenge after another, the question remains: can the ship be salvaged? With his administration faltering both domestically and internationally, President Ruto finds himself at a crossroads. His handlers have failed to deliver the governance Kenya so desperately needs, and the consequences of their failure are becoming increasingly apparent.
But all may not be lost. A concerted effort to rebuild unity within the government, address corruption head-on, and recalibrate foreign policy could potentially chart a new course. However, without a clear plan or the political will to act decisively, the ship may continue to drift—further away from the shores of stability and progress.
As it stands, the captain remains at the helm of a ship without a compass, adrift on uncertain waters, surrounded by a sea of doubt.
