An article by Miguna Miguna, who is Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s advisor, which appeared in The Standard on Sunday of December 20, titled "Ruto’s political teeth were not cut in democratic struggle" was biased and rather personal.
Miguna told us that in November 1987, he was the Finance Secretary of the Students Organisation of Nairobi University (Sonu) and that there was a young man in first year Bachelor of Science class known as William Samoei Ruto.
To him (Miguna), Ruto was little known compared to a Sonu Finance Secretary.
I wonder why Miguna is not the Finance Minister if popularity in campus determined the kind of life one would lead after university.
The author should understand that somebody does not have to be the leader of a student organisation to clinch a leadership role in the country.
In fact, the writer contradicted himself when he claimed that Ruto’s political teeth were not cut in democratic struggle, yet he narrates that on November 14, 1987, "the young Ruto ate teargas for the first time, as he knelt inside Ufungamano House, praying for God to stop the confrontation between students and the police outside."
Anyway, again, one does not have to engage in protests and demonstrations to be a leader in this country.
Miguna was also not sincere when he claimed that Ruto, having graduated and without a job, had become a millionaire in one year. But what made him (Miguna) not to become a millionaire? He should blame his gods, not Ruto.
Ruto struggled
On the post-election violence victims, it should be clear that it was Ruto who struggled to secure the release of youths arrested by police for protesting against a rigged election, and not the PM as the writer said.
It should be understood that Ruto is one of a few leaders committed to uniting Kenyans irrespective of tribe or political backgrounds. That is why he supports a Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission as the only way to restore lasting peace.
Miguna should, therefore, advice the PM on how to solve the myriad problems facing Kenyans like hunger and corruption instead of dwelling too much on Ruto negatively.
In fact, I am surprised that Miguna did not criticise Ruto when he joined hands with Raila during the last General Election.
—Kimaiya Kirop, Marakwet
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