Clash of desperadoes might help Kenya to wriggle out of current misery

President William Ruto's government is facing criticism over handling of national challenges including the economy, education and Gen Z protests. [File, Standard]

Kenyans, desperate and anxious, have lost trust in institutions because their custodians have abused their offices. There subsequently appears to be an intensified clash of opposing desperadoes. First are officials seeking acceptability while violating the basis of trust. Second are desperate citizens looking for ways out of the current sense of national misery. President William Ruto is also desperate to hold on to slipping power.

Those claiming that things are going well enjoy government largesse, insist that the affordable housing project is thriving, and that inflation is down. Blaming critics for all the ills in the country, some exhibit arrogance and imply that the Raila-Ruto 'co-presidency', also called broad-based government, is here to stay. While they brag about having kicked out Rigathi Gachagua from the deputy presidency, they seemingly were not ready for the negative consequences. Mr Gachagua refused to die politically and became a thorn in Dr Ruto’s political skin.