2017 elections just ended and politicians, especially those in the higher rankings have gone back to the drawing board to strategize for 2022. Among those who hope to triumph over the highest seat on land is Deputy President William Ruto. With a tight race ahead and his biggest supporter, President Uhuru Kenyatta showing no signs of politically supporting him, what tactics must Ruto employ so as to win the presidency come 2022?
The following three strategies might just work for DP Ruto;
1. Befriend Raila
Raila Odinga enjoys huge support from Kenyans of all tribes. He has vied for the presidency three times and most of the time he claimed victory although the entire electoral process was sometimes marked with protests. If Ruto resumes his long-time friendship, like it was before 2007/08, with Odinga, chances of him getting enormous support from many Kenyans are high. Remember, politics is a game of numbers and sometimes treachery.
2. Liaise with Gideon Moi
It may sound ridiculous but, YES, there're no permanent enemies in politics. Gideon Moi seeks to reinvent himself and ultimately bring back the lost glory of his dad's KANU party. This rejuvenation comes at a time when the two major handshakes have been made already - the Odinga vs Uhuru and Odinga vs Moi. These are deals that have been sealed.
DP Ruto attempted his best but it bore no fruits. Siding with Senator Moi might seem impossible, but the impossible in politics are always possible. The two may agree on which positions to prioritize in that deal. In fact, this would be the best strategy since Moi is Ruto's biggest competitor right now in the Rift Valley.
3. Create a Coast-Western-Nyanza-Central Conglomerate
If the two strategies above fail, it's not the end of the road for him yet. He could still gauge his competitor's pros and cons i.e the areas his competitor gets much and little support from. And for Kenyans, Gideon Moi has not been an active political player for many years. Therefore, he's not very well known all over the country. He lacks a political muscle in most regions except his home, Rift Valley.
Having known that, it will, therefore, be easy for Ruto to create a Coast-Western-Nyanza-Central conglomerate. And this will take a lot of convincing, a personality he has already perfected due to his "hustler" nature.