Ruto’s surprise change of tone a political masterstroke

 

President Ruto and Odm leader Raila Odinga 

President William Ruto has today addressed the nation. In a rather uncharacteristic move, Ruto has changed tune terming the opposition chief Raila Odinga as his brother.

The president commenced his address at around 5:30pm one hour late than he had announced. The president told the media that they had delayed his address. "Nyinyi mmenichelewesha" (you guys have made me late) he said.

From the tone of the address by the head of state, it is obvious that he has taken the first step of de escalating the already harmful protests which he stated that they have greatly dented the image of Kenya.

"The protests have had an impact on the economy and have tainted the image of the country internationally." Said the head of state.

By calling on the opposition to engage in a bipartisan engagement, the head of state has extended an olive branch to the opposition a stand which might no go well with some of the hardliners surrounding the two leaders.

No handshake 

Rigathi Gachagua and his allies have been at the forefront in warning opposition leaders that there wouldn't be a handshake anytime soon. According to Gachagua, handshake is unconstitutional and would defeat the tenets of democracy. 

Interestingly, president Ruto has maintained a rather neutral stand on this probably because of his stature as the head of state who bears the brunt of all the issues occurring in the country.