President William Ruto has resorted to a strategic shift, moving away from public rallies and roadside stops in favor of more intimate, boardroom-style meetings with regional political leaders.
This change comes as his administration grapples with mounting public dissatisfaction over alleged state-sponsored abductions, the return of extra-judicial killings, and rising political intolerance.
The President is also facing backlash for what many perceive as unbridled arrogance, further fueling discontent among Kenyans.
Amid fears of new taxes and growing concerns over the government’s inability to address the suffering of ordinary citizens, Ruto has turned to regional caucus meetings as a way to calm the public and shore up political support.
The meetings, which have been taking place behind closed doors, are seen as an effort to counter the growing resentment by showing that the President is listening to the concerns of local leaders and working on solutions that align with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Ruto’s shift in approach follows a period of public frustration, with some of his own allies in Mount Kenya, including figures from the region’s political establishment, facing backlash for their role in the ousting of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Adding to his woes, the President is under pressure from his new opposition allies to reward former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s loyalists for their instrumental role in Gachagua’s removal.
Political analysts suggest that these regional meetings are part of Ruto’s broader efforts to balance these complex political dynamics and avoid further alienation.
So far, the President has met with key political figures from Nairobi, Samburu, Kakamega, and Turkana counties. These sessions, lasting several hours, have focused on various development initiatives under Ruto’s economic agenda, with a particular emphasis on affordable housing, agriculture, ICT hubs, and infrastructure development, such as water and irrigation projects.
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who attended one of the sessions, described it as a “serious four-hour working session” focused on development issues in his county.
The meetings are expected to continue, with reports indicating that political leaders from Kisii and Nyamira counties are preparing for their own audience with Ruto in the coming days.
In the meantime, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is expected to meet with politicians from the Gusii region to discuss development and offer congratulations on his new role.
According to North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko, the region’s leaders are uniting to strengthen their political bargaining power in these meetings, a sentiment echoed by many of the President’s allies in the various counties.
In addition to the regional consultations, Ruto’s government is expected to undergo significant restructuring.
There are strong indications that he plans to make radical changes to his Cabinet, possibly introducing new faces and reshuffling Principal Secretaries.
Sources close to the President suggest that this reshuffling may also extend to Parliament, with some ODM MPs anticipated to take up key committee chairmanships.
Insiders also note that Gachagua’s allies in Parliament could be sidelined as part of efforts to consolidate support within the House leadership.
National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro emphasized that the ongoing meetings are primarily about development and building consensus for the government’s agenda.
Reflecting on Ruto’s political journey, Osoro noted that before the 2022 election, the President was known for hosting numerous meetings at his residence, where he engaged with political groups from across the country.
Now, these more private consultations are seen as a crucial component in Ruto’s strategy to not only engage with regional leaders but also gauge the public sentiment on his government’s policies.
As the President continues to navigate these complex political waters, the outcome of these meetings could determine the success of his second term agenda and his ability to maintain stability within his administration.
The political landscape remains fluid, with much riding on Ruto’s ability to balance regional interests, address public concerns, and deliver on his promises of economic transformation.
