Last week, the Republic of Kenya held the 2022 General Elections which included a hotly contested presidential race.The men to watch were Raila Amolo Odinga, a veteran three-time presidential aspirant and a respected politician who was among the top champions for multiparty system in Kenya back in the 90s.Simply put, the man locally known as ‘Baba’, has remained relevant in Kenyan politics for decades as a strong opposition leader and even serving as the only Prime Minister in Kenya from 2007 to 2013.
The other top aspirant for the presidency was the outgoing deputy president William Samoei Ruto and another relatively younger politician but a master of politics as proven by his ascent to the top tier class of politicians.Since his inception into politics by the late President Moi as the Member of Parliament for Eldoret North in 1997, he has climbed up the political ladder holding posts such as Minister for Higher Education and Minister for Agriculture with the climax being holding office of the deputy president for 10 years.At some point in 2005,he was Raila’s closest confidant and supporter when they teamed up to fell the proposed constitutional changes which they actually toppled by convincing the Kenyan voters to reject.Quite a winner this guy.They then split ways in 2013 when he teamed up with Uhuru Kenyatta to vie for the top office with Ruto as his running mate against Raila Odinga and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka.Needless to say, UhuRuto as they were coined won the election.
Fast forward to 2022, with Uhuru Kenyatta’s looming exit from the top job after a bittersweet relationship with his deputy William Ruto in their second term in office, William Ruto threw himself into the presidential race against his arch rival-cum- friend Raila Odinga.Guess what?William Samoei R youuto, as of yesterday was declared president-elect by the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission chairman Wafula Chebukati and handed the coveted certificate by the chairman.
In what is considered the most fairly conducted election in Kenyan history, William Samoei Ruto beat the odds by proving his boss Uhuru Kenyatta wrong and being the first deputy president to ascend straight to the presidency immediately after serving his term as deputy president.Remarkable.What awaits to be seen is whether the promises he made to the Kenyan population especially those at the bottom of the economic pyramid will be fulfilled.Mr.President, the ball is now in your court.
Metropolitan 