Ruto increasingly becoming an outsider in his own government

Deputy President William Ruto at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi. [Boniface Okendo/Standard]

Tuesday’s sacking of Mwangi Kiunjuri from the Cabinet sent the clearest message yet that President Uhuru Kenyatta is ready to isolate his deputy, William Ruto. He is also ready to defend his Central Kenya home turf from external political marauders. In effect, the dismissal was a direct body blow against the deputy president. Matters will probably only get worse, unless something gives away.

Constitutionally, Dr Ruto is the second in command in government. While the tenure of this government lasts, he is the automatic heir to the throne. In the event of tragic happenings that disable the president from ruling, he would take over and reign to the end of the tenure, according to Article 146 (2)a of the Constitution.