Deputy President William Ruto is a shrewd politician. He is good – and witty. He knows when to take an opportunity when his opponents are in the slumber-land.
A few weeks ago – Kenyan musician Brian Ouko Robert aka Khaligraph Jones wrote an open letter to the Deputy President William Ruto and his counterpart Raila Odinga. The musician asked the two leaders to salvage Kenya.
Ruto was the first one – and the only one – to reply to Khaligraph in a well concocted message riddled with old sheng. The choice of language alone was not accidental – it was intentionally done informed
Indeed 0n April 24 – 2022, DP Ruto met a number of artists at his Karen home following the request by Khaligraph.
It’s possible Ruto has never heard of Khaligraph – but someone in his team must have brought attention to the musician’s rallying call – and asked Ruto to take advantage of the situation and act before Raila even reads the tweet.
“Deputy President William Ruto has met various artistes following a request by Khaligraph
to discuss how to help the industry as the country fights the pandemic. Among their requests is the setting up of a special fund to support the industry.
“They discussed how to help the industry as the country fights the pandemic. Among their requests is the setting up of a special fund to support the industry,” read a tweet by Kenyan journalist Oliver Mathenge.
A few days before hosting the Kenyan musicians at his home – Ruto had appeared on Jalang’o TV interview – a show that is known to resonate with many Kenyans. This too was strategic – and quick thinking after President Uhuru banned all public meetings and political rallies.
Ruto would soon follow this interview with another one at Citizen TV – hosted by the station’s Director of Strategy and Innovation Linus Kaikai. He is also the chairman of the Kenya Editors Guild KEG Linus Kaikai.
In 2020, Ruto met two Kenyan entrepreneurs; Stephen Odhiambo and Dennis Otieno, who went viral after developing innovative garden furniture.
Ruto hosted the two at his Karen home – and went ahead to buy five seats at Ksh50,000 each.
Ruto tweeted: “I was privileged to meet and interact with Stephen Odhiambo and Dennis Otieno, two enterprising Kenyans with innovative ideas on garden furniture. I was thrilled by their cutting-edge skills and efforts.”
The DP offered to invest in the business and even said: “I had their balance, which they asked me to top up and buy a specialised machine that will help them fasten their workmanship.”
The choice of language in his communication is very strategic – and it’s resonating with many people.
There are instances when Ruto has been seen outside – visiting marketplaces – and biting away at roasted maize. All these are not accidental political shows but well-crafted strategies meant to win the hearts of the normal Kenyan.