Deputy President William Ruto is a clever man.
His keenness and political skills have raised him from a mere lawmaker to a Deputy President who seems to be headed towards the highest seat in the nation, the presidency.
Consequently, Rift Valley leaders can take a lot from him, beginning with his dynamism, a characteristic which will obviously boost his 2022 presidential bid.
The DP has always known what to do, how and when to remain silent and when to retaliate or hit back.
For instance, he has always worn a humble coat when around the president, well aware that Uhuru is among the people who can make or break his presidency.
He has always been a cool man when around other national leaders, including opposition chief and his former boss in the grand coalition government Raila Odinga. This is despite being aware that Raila is his biggest enemy and the main hurdle in his bid for the top seat come 2022.
His Rift Valley brigade should emulate this and realize that one doesn't always have to attack their rivals to beat them, humility is also a weapon.
They have to know that embracing your enemy could do wonders, including earning you their support or enabling you to appeal to their supporters, earning you some of their votes.
But at the same time, Ruto has always proved that he is not a pushover and will not sit down to be humiliated. He has always shown this whenever he gets the chance by bashing his critics.
The Deputy President is proof of a patient politician courtesy of his willingness to deputize the President for 10 years despite having the resources to run for the top seat.
He backed Uhuru's reelection in 2017, at a time when he had the backing of a section of the nation, proof that he is a man with proper timing and ready to learn from his seniors.
This should be taken up by hasty Rift Valley politicians who want to elevate themselves within the shortest time or begin from the top that patience pays.
They have to realize that beginning from upside only shortens one's career as you end up stranded upon the completion of your time, unless you are willing to relegate yourself to lower seat.
Also, he knows what to say and what not to respond to, the latest instance being his alleged involvement in graft which he is yet to respond to.
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho on Monday termed DP Ruto as the most corrupt man in Kenya, a remark that any other politician should have the urge to respond to.
But being aware that he has a tougher job ahead and has to realize his bid in 3 years, he has refused to be drawn into empty talk and chose to concentrate on his plans.
This goes to the likes of Kapseret lawmaker Oscar Sufi who have been responding to anything thrown at the DP.
Sudi has gone to the extent of being fully absorbed in arguments with Joho which might eat up some of the time meant for development.
Such, apart from earning one enemy whose support they might need in the future, can also result in retaliation from voters who will properly deal with you for failing to deliver your promises.
Ruto knows that you do not need to respond to allegations you believe are baseless, considering that Joho did not file a case at a police station to prove his claims.
Should all his allies in Rift Valley follow suit, then we could have very many more presidents from that part of the country in the future.
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