Kenya’s political landscape has long been defined by shifting alliances, broken promises, and frequent betrayals—traits that are not just unique to the country but have also been witnessed throughout history. An analysis of the relationship between Kenya’s fourth president, Uhuru Kenyatta, and his deputy, William Ruto, offers a vivid case study of these political dynamics. From their early days as allies to their eventual split, the rise and fall of their partnership mirrors the intricate dance of power and political survival seen across the world, particularly through the lens of works such as Machiavelli’s The Prince and Robert Greene’s The 48 Laws of Power.

The Rise of a Political Bromance

In the lead-up to Kenya’s 2013 elections, Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto, both facing charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for their alleged roles in the violence following the 2007 post-election turmoil, found common ground in a shared fear of prosecution. This unlikely alliance between the Kikuyu and Kalenjin communities, which had once been embroiled in violent conflict, became the cornerstone of the Jubilee Coalition. The coalition’s slogan, “Jubilee,” was inspired by the biblical concept of forgiveness and liberation, symbolizing a new political beginning.

Once in power, their public displays of unity were unmistakable. They appeared together at every opportunity, attending church services, delivering speeches side by side, and even wearing matching outfits. This unity, however, began to erode as both men sought to navigate the complex and often perilous political landscape.

The ICC Factor and the Emergence of Tensions

Though both men shared a common interest in avoiding ICC prosecution, this political bond was always fragile, driven more by necessity than ideology. Political analysts have suggested that the ICC charges served as the initial catalyst for their alliance. Once they were acquitted in 2014, the question arose: Would their shared interests continue to align?

The tension within the Jubilee Coalition began to manifest when accusations of corruption emerged. The government, under Uhuru’s leadership, faced allegations of corruption involving several high-profile infrastructure projects, such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Ruto’s allies within the government began to argue that Uhuru’s anti-corruption campaign was politically motivated, aimed at undermining Ruto’s faction of the party.

This culminated in 2015 when Uhuru, in his State of the Nation address, announced that 175 government officials were under investigation for corruption, including several close allies of Ruto. This marked the beginning of a political rift that would widen in the years to come.

A Parting of Ways

Despite attempts to maintain unity, the relationship between Uhuru and Ruto gradually soured. By 2017, when Ruto was gearing up for his presidential run, the rift became irreparable. Uhuru’s sudden rapprochement with his longtime rival Raila Odinga, resulting in the famous “Handshake” of March 2018, further fractured the Jubilee Coalition. Uhuru’s endorsement of Raila in the 2022 elections—against his deputy’s aspirations—was the final blow, marking the end of what was once a close political partnership.

Political observers note that this was not just the fallout of two men but a reflection of the larger forces at play in Kenyan politics. “There are no permanent friends or enemies in politics, only permanent interests,” as the saying goes, and this maxim seems to encapsulate the ever-shifting allegiances that define the country’s political culture.

Political Betrayals: A Cycle of Self-Interest

The story of Uhuru and Ruto’s alliance and subsequent betrayal illustrates a wider pattern of political behavior in Kenya. Political analysts such as former nominated Senator Harold Kipchumba point out that political betrayals are often driven by the intense competition for power and resources. Politicians, he argues, enter alliances not out of ideological commitment but to secure political leverage and access to government resources.

Veteran politicians like Kabando wa Kabando and Njenga Mungai further argue that the deep-rooted culture of betrayal in Kenya’s politics can be traced back to the country’s independence, where political offices were seen as sources of wealth and power rather than platforms for service. This enduring culture, Mungai warns, will continue to shape Kenya’s political future as long as greed remains the driving force behind the pursuit of office.

A Machiavellian Playbook

In many ways, the relationship between Uhuru and Ruto follows the principles outlined by Niccolò Machiavelli in The Prince, which has long been a source of inspiration and controversy among political thinkers. Machiavelli’s advice to rulers to be pragmatic, ruthless, and manipulative in their pursuit of power resonates strongly in the Kenyan context, where alliances are often forged not on principles but on strategic necessity.

Similarly, Robert Greene’s The 48 Laws of Power expands on these themes, asserting that power is both dark and fluid, and those who wield it successfully must be willing to play the game according to its brutal rules. As the political saga of Uhuru and Ruto unfolds, their story serves as a stark reminder of the Machiavellian realities of power and the consequences of betrayal in the pursuit of political survival.

Conclusion

The political trajectories of Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto serve as a compelling case study of how ambition, fear, and personal interests can shape political alliances, only to eventually give way to inevitable betrayal. The Kenyan experience is a microcosm of the broader, timeless dynamics of power, where the only constant is change, and no alliance is ever truly permanent.