Please enable JavaScript to view advertisements.
×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Stay Informed, Even Offline
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download App
×
The Standard Group PLC The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.
  • Standard Group Plc HQ Office,
  • The Standard Group Center,Mombasa Road.
  • P.O Box 30080-00100,Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Telephone number: 0203222111, 0719012111
  • Email: corporate@standardmedia.co.ke

Who will tell the king that he is naked?

President William Ruto addresses the public in Taita Taveta on October 1, 2026. [PCS]

If I were President William Ruto, I would not worry too much about what Rigathi Gachagua says about me. I wouldn’t even worry too much about what Edwin Sifuna says, nor would I spend much time worrying about what Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i, and others tell me. I would worry about what the people around me say, those who sit closest to me, who laugh at my jokes, praise my wisdom, applaud my decisions and assure me that everything is going well.

Why, you may ask? The oldest danger of power is that those around a powerful person are filled with the spirit of lying. In fact, they perfect the art of telling a powerful man precisely what he wants to hear. Let me explain.

Premium Article

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us.
Continue Reading  →
What you get
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimised reading
  • Weekly newsletters & digests
Pay via
M - PESA
VISA
Airtel Money
Secure Payments Kenya's most trusted newsroom since 1902