Change of guard: No time for honeymoon after Ruto's big day

What is the reality beyond this day? Here is the list in no order of merit.

One is lowering the cost of living. That will not happen overnight. The maize flour subsidies demonstrated what not to do.

Unless war ends in Ukraine and rains fall, prices will remain high. Imports could lower prices of essential commodities but hurt local producers.

Economics has never been an exact science. Public debt must be sorted, with some debts due. They have to be paid or renegotiated. Unless taxes go up or government expenditure is reduced, more borrowing is likely. Will the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other lenders retreat as they did during the Kibaki era?

Climatic change is a reality. Shall we start focusing more on renewables, afforestation, and innovations like electric cars?

What incentives will be offered for that shift? Old order persists, and Dr Ruto needs boldness to change things.

Our economy and political way of life have settled after 60 years.

Hustler-dynasty narrative

What will he shake up and with what consequences? One major issue is inequality, which is worse than in our neighbouring countries. Remember the hustler-dynasty narrative? It was all about inequality.

What of international relations? Is it accidental that French President Emmanuel Macron was among the first to call him?

How shall he handle the growing influence of China, the UK after Brexit, the US after Trump, and our neighbours? Shall we finally pacify Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)? How shall he balance Kenya's and Rwanda's interests in DRC?

State House, Nairobi. [File, Standard]

It would also be prudent to pick some ideas from Azimio, some make lots of political and economic sense. Dr Ruto must keep off the temptation of tampering with the constitution to amass more power and hitting back at his political enemies. Could he be tempted to start a dynasty himself?

One question at the back of our mind is religion's role in his regime. After all, the church did play a big role in his victory.

Will he lead a crusade or jihad against corruption and alcoholism plus single parenthood in Central Kenya? Will names like Kimani Wanjiku fade into history?

Finally, what will be Ruto's official salutation? I would recommend simply Mr President, leaving his excellency to governors.That would buttress his hustler background and humility.

PS: I have not received an invitation to the inauguration party. Could they have used the wrong address?