Deputy President William Ruto is undoubtedly one of the best political mobilisers in Kenyan politics.
Unlike most of the main political players who were born in political families and handed power on a silver platter, Ruto has worked his way from being a chicken seller to being the second-most powerful man in the country.
The Deputy President is one of the few experienced politicians who have never lost in a general election. In order to understand Ruto’s power, one must go back to the aftermath of the 2002 election when Kanu was defeated by the NARC juggernaut.
In the aftermath of the 2002 elections, Gideon Moi was seen as natural heir to his father President Daniel arap Moi’s grip on Kalenjin politics. So powerful was Gideon that he was elected as Baringo Central MP unopposed.
According to a Rift Valley MP who served between 2003 and 2007, Ruto managed to eclipse Gideon’s political star with a simple hotel bill.
“Soon after the 2003 elections, we urged Gideon to organise a lunch meeting with Kalenjin MPs so that he can be introduced to them. The meeting happened at Panari Hotel on Mombasa Road. It generally went well, but when it came to paying, Gideon said everyone would pick his tab.It was something that took us aback since we expected him not only to foot the bill but also send us off with “something small”.William took advantage of the situation and sorted out the bill".
"A second meeting was organised sometime in late 2003 and Gideon did the same thing; he declined to pay our bills. Again Ruto took advantage and cleared it. We knew Gideon was not his father’s son when it came to generosity. Most of us decided to throw our lot with Ruto after that,” the MP was quoted by the Nation during a past interview.
The rest became history after Ruto successfully led the Rift Valley in voting for ODM during the 2007 elections. Severeal members of Moi's family, including Gideon, were also badly defeated in parliamentary seats.
The Deputy President has continued hosting breakfasts and lunches with various MPs where he charms them into supporting his political dream.
Over the weekend, many were shocked after Coastal ODM MPs declared their support for the DP;s 2022 presidential bid.