Politicians are a very interesting lot. They put you in the mood for elections at a time when the dust from the previous elections has not settled. We are not even halfway since we had a general election but the mood has already been set. Thank God former Prime Minister Honorable Raila Odinga is out of the equation now and no one will blame him for destabilising the government. If you remember, after the elections, the opposition leader staged a few demonstrations to compel the government to lower the cost of living. The objective might not have been fully achieved but at least we have maize meal prices down to 135 Kenya Shillings from 250.
Politicians and Narratives
Recall towards the 2022 elections, President William Ruto who was then a deputy president came up with the narrative of a hustler. The narrative puts him in a situation where Kenyans of the lower cadre associate so well with him. He had the support of the bodaboda people, mama mboga, and every other person who identified himself as a hustler. The president’s trademark was a wheelbarrow, and at some point, a video trended online of the head of state having a good time with the young people. He further enjoined the youth to learn their songs, and their dancing styles, during political events. That was so genius!
At some point, the former President told the residents of the mountain that his deputy will “tangatanga” there. President Ruto took advantage and frequented the place as he campaigned. He further coined told his supporters that he was thrown out of the government by Raila Odinga, but he respected his boss. The narrative lso gave him a footing because people sympathised with him. He even made people believe that there was deepstate that would deny him power if he won.
Finance Bill 2024 Script
The first two years have not been so good for the government so it is about time for the script. The 2027 general elections is only 3 years away and it is expected that Kenyans will see the government overworking. A few weeks ago, Finance Bill 2024 sought to introduce VAT to items exempted before. If the bill goes through, Kenyans will have to incur an extra 10 bob for a 400-gram loaf of bread. Furthermore the bill requires that car owners pay a motor vehicle tax annually as they renew their insurance. Kenyans have reacted to the finance bill and the politicians are taking notes. In parliament, the MPs will do little to save Kenyans from the bill but will come out in burials and village weddings to condemn the bill.
I will not be surprised to see the head of state directing the UDA MPs to amend areas that Kenyans have issues with. The trick is and has always been to include a “punitive” clause, wait for the Kenyans to complain then come and act like their saviour. As the elections draw nigh, you will remind them of how you came through for them. That is what happened when we discussed the affordable housing levy, which initially was 3% but later cut to 1.5%. The government then increased the salaries of employees by 3%, which caused elation amongst the employees, only to realize that it raised the tax bracket, and the remainder ended up as a housing levy.
DP Gachagua’s Script
When the president declared May 10, 2024, as a national planting holiday, word had it that the deputy President did not go to his assigned site. People speculated that the two most powerful people in Kenya are not on good terms. Politicians from the Mountain came out in support of their son and claimed that they would not allow a few people to sow a rift between the President and his deputy. Nyeri governor said that they came out and supported President Ruto and will not allow their son to go through what President Ruto went through.
There were even reports that Gachagua was behind the famous Limuru III meeting that brought together leaders from the mountain. In one of the tours in his backyard, Gachagua called for unity of all leaders in the region and insinuated that he was ready to sit down and work with Uhuru Kenyatta for the good of their people. The speculations were rife such that Statehouse came out and refuted claims of a rift.
Political Betrayal
Yesterday, the deputy President lectured Kapseret member of parliament telling him to focus on his constituency and avoid causing chaos in the neighbouring Keses constituency. He said that the people of Central Kenya supported the President as they had promised, claiming that they are honest and hate they hate betrayal.
Today, NTV reports, some Rift Valley MPs responded to Gachagua telling him that he cannot stop them from meeting the Kenyans. Speaking in Sotik Bomet County, the leaders told the deputy President that they were at liberty to meet Kenyans and sell the government’s agenda.
Let us respect each other. We are also asking the President and his DP to respect us. Everyone has the liberty to go anywhere. As I am here, I have contributions from several people including Kimani Ichungwah.
Playing this script is a reminiscence of how President Ruto’s script started. Mr. Gachagua is seeking support for his backyard as he creates a non-existent rift between him and the President. As this happens, the people will sympathise with him, then before you realize it, we will have a political wave that will see us elect incompetent people into the government. Be vigilant. Do not fall into the trap of these politicians.
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