Dr John Ekuru Aukot, a prominent Kenyan politician and lawyer, who was a third-tier candidate in the 2017 presidential general election and a member of the Thirdway Alliance Kenya Party, recently reignited debate on Kenya’s political landscape with his sharp observation: “These folks come a long way, and they’ve been friends for a long time.” His remarks, following the reunion of President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta at the latter’s Gatundu home, have left Kenyans questioning the sincerity and purpose of such alliances.
Kenyan politics is often a tale of shifting alliances, where yesterday’s bitter rivals emerge as today’s allies, driven by convenience rather than principle. Aukot’s comments remind Kenyans that these leaders are products of the same system—one that perpetuates dynastic dominance and shields the elite from accountability. Sixty-five years after independence, the country’s top leadership still reflects a familiar pattern: the former president is the son of the first president, and his main rival is the son of the first vice-president.
For many, this reunion is less about reconciliation and more about survival. As critics suggest, it represents a pact to protect privilege and wealth from public scrutiny. Without a collective demand for accountability, Kenyans risk remaining spectators in a game where power trumps principle.
By Newshub