The self-styled hustler rise and rise is a subject of discussion in every social place.
Deputy President William Ruto’s political career, and to a large extent his wealth continues to baffle many.
The source of his wealth, however, is questionable, but that does not make him Kenya’s version of Okonkwo.
For those that do not know, Okonkwo is a character in Chinua Achebe’s novel, things fall apart. He was born to a father who did not own anything in his life, except a pile of debt. Despite being deep in debt, Okonkwo’s father often found a way to add more to his debts.
From an early age, Okonkwo worked hard to avoid the fate of his father, who the oracle had told to work like a man.
Within no time, Okonkwo had accumulated wealth and titles within his clan and was quite respected by the villagers.
DP Ruto’s life mirrors that of Okonkwo in many ways. He is a son of a peasant, born without connections but rose to the echelons of who is who in the Kenyan society. He is now a politician to beat come 2022 general elections.
The battle to 2022 promises to be a bruising one for the man from Sugoi. Many pundits say that he is hardened for war, and cannot be beaten quite easily.
However, as Okonkwo was eventually banished from his village, it remains to be seen whether 2022 will be that day the DP will be ‘banished’ to his home in Sugoi by the powers that be.
Even then, his rise has been nothing but remarkable. He is one own version of the Okonkwo.
#hivisasaoriginal