Deputy President (DP) William Ruto should not expect to be handed the presidency on a silver platter, a political commentator has warned.
Columnist Kwendo Opanga has observed the DP must break sweat in his quest to be Kenya's fifth Head of State since political dynasties have ganged up to stop him.
He said the Moi's, Kenyatta's and Odingas with the help of their allies such as trade unionist Francis Atwoli are determined to ensure the son of a peasant does not take over power.
In his column published by Nation, Opanga said the calls for referendum, sustained public humiliation and well choreographed corruption allegations were part of "war of attrition" the dynasties have staged to ensure Ruto gives up ahead of 2022.
"Those who wage wars of attrition employ all strategies possible to exhaust the resources and assets of the adversary, wear him down, and cripple his capabilities to pose a threat," he wrote.
Opanga also opined that the clergy were being pushed to reject donations from the DP, while a section of leaders from Mt Kenya, and coastal regions are being "arm-twisted to stay away from his public functions or withdraw their support for him altogether."
The analyst said Ruto must assemble a strong arsenal against his opponents, otherwise he will be a "political shell" come the next general election.
"The objective is that come 2022 the allegations of graft, court cases or impeachment, if it gets to that, will have gradually drained the DP physically, emotionally and financially as to render him a political shell, skunk and eunuch," Opanga added.