William Samoei Ruto, Kenya’s fifth president, is a fascinating figure in African politics. His path to the presidential palace is a story of ambition, resilience, and political savvy. In this article, we will explore Ruto’s background, his political journey, his platform, and what his presidency could mean for Kenya and Africa.
Background and Early Life
William Ruto was born on December 21, 1966, in Sambut, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. He grew up in modest circumstances in a rural part of the country. As a young boy, he sold peanuts and chickens by the roadside to earn money for his education. This humble background has shaped his political rhetoric and appeal to ordinary Kenyans.
Ruto was a gifted student and excelled academically. He studied at the University of Nairobi, where he earned a bachelor's degree in botany and zoology. He later completed a master's degree in plant ecology and a PhD in the same field from the same university. His academic achievements reflect a dedication and intellectual capacity that have served him well in politics.
Entry into Politics
Ruto’s political career began during the regime of President Daniel arap Moi. He first became involved in politics through KANU (Kenya African National Union), the then-ruling party. Ruto was active in the party’s youth wing, YK92, which campaigned for Moi’s re-election in 1992.
In 1997, Ruto was elected as Member of Parliament for Eldoret North Constituency. His ability to mobilize grassroots support and his rhetorical skills quickly made him a key figure in KANU. During Moi’s final years in power, Ruto served in several ministerial roles, including as Assistant Minister for Home Affairs.
Coalitions and Political Alliances
One of the keys to Ruto’s success has been his ability to build and navigate political alliances. In 2002, as the opposition united to challenge KANU’s hold on power, Ruto joined Raila Odinga’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). This move demonstrated Ruto’s political pragmatism and his willingness to cross party lines in pursuit of personal and political gain.
In 2007, Ruto joined Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and played a key role in Odinga’s presidential campaign. Despite controversies surrounding the election results, the situation led to a power-sharing agreement in which Odinga became Prime Minister and Ruto was appointed Minister of Agriculture.
However, the relationship between Ruto and Odinga soured, and ahead of the 2013 election, Ruto allied himself with Uhuru Kenyatta, the son of Kenya’s first president. They formed the Jubilee Alliance, and with Kenyatta as the presidential candidate and Ruto as the running mate, they won the election.
Vice Presidency and Break with Kenyatta
As Vice President under Kenyatta, Ruto played a central role during the administration’s first term. He was involved in major infrastructure projects and economic reforms. However, during their second term, the relationship between the two began to deteriorate.
The turning point came with the famous “handshake” between Kenyatta and Odinga in 2018, which signaled a reconciliation between the two. Ruto felt sidelined by this agreement and began to distance himself from the government. He openly criticized its policies, particularly the controversial Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), which he viewed as an attempt to amend the constitution to keep Odinga and Kenyatta in power.
The “Hustler” Narrative and Presidential Campaign
Ahead of the 2022 election, Ruto positioned himself as a champion of the “hustlers”—street vendors, shopkeepers, and others in the informal sector. He argued that Kenyan politics had long been dominated by dynasties (referring to the Kenyatta and Odinga families) and that it was time for ordinary Kenyans to take power.
Ruto’s campaign focused on economic issues, particularly his “bottom-up” economic model. He promised to prioritize small and medium-sized enterprises, agriculture, and job creation. This message resonated with many Kenyans, especially young people facing high unemployment.
Despite lacking support from the sitting president and most of the state apparatus, Ruto secured a narrow victory over Odinga. The electoral commission declared him the winner with 50.49% of the vote, compared to Odinga’s 48.85%.
Ruto’s Political Platform
As president, Ruto has pledged to implement his “bottom-up” economic agenda. Key points include:
- Increased support for small and medium-sized enterprises through affordable loans and reduced bureaucracy.
- Investments in agriculture, including subsidies for fertilizer and seeds.
- A focus on job creation, especially for the youth.
- Investments in infrastructure, including water, electricity, and digital services.
- The fight against corruption, which he claims has hindered Kenya’s development.
In foreign policy, Ruto has signaled a desire to strengthen Kenya’s role in the region. He has been active in mediating conflicts, such as in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and has advocated for greater African unity and economic integration.
Challenges and Controversies
Ruto’s presidency faces significant challenges. Kenya is grappling with high debt, rising living costs, and persistent corruption. Ruto’s ability to deliver on his economic promises will be critical to his success.
There is also significant political division. Odinga and his supporters have disputed the election results, and tensions along ethnic lines persist. Ruto, who hails from the Kalenjin community, must balance various ethnic interests in a country where ethnicity has often shaped politics.
Ruto himself has been the subject of controversy. In 2010, he was charged by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for allegedly playing a role in the post-election violence of 2007. The case was later dropped due to lack of evidence, but it has continued to cast a shadow over his reputation.
Questions have also been raised about Ruto’s wealth. He has extensive business interests, including hotels, land holdings, and agriculture. Critics have questioned how he accumulated such wealth while earning a government salary.
Regional and International Significance
Ruto’s presidency comes at a critical time for Africa. The continent faces challenges such as climate change, economic uncertainty, and ongoing conflicts. Kenya, as East Africa’s largest economy and a regional power, plays a key role.
Ruto has shown a willingness to engage in regional issues. He has been a strong advocate for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and has argued that increased intra-African trade is key to the continent’s prosperity. His efforts to mediate conflicts, such as in the DRC, also reflect a desire to strengthen Kenya’s diplomatic role.
Internationally, Ruto has signaled a pragmatic approach. He is seeking investments from both traditional partners such as the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as emerging players like China. At the same time, he has been critical of what he sees as unfair lending terms and has called for a reassessment of Africa’s relationship with international financial institutions.
Future Prospects
William Ruto’s presidency presents both opportunities and challenges for Kenya. His “bottom-up” economic model, if successful, could reduce inequality and create jobs. However, implementation will be difficult given Kenya’s economic constraints and political divisions.
Ruto’s success will largely depend on his ability to unite the nation. Kenya has a history of ethnic polarization, especially around elections. Ruto must demonstrate that he can be a president for all Kenyans, not just for his political and ethnic base.
At the regional level, Ruto’s presidency has the potential to strengthen Kenya’s leadership. His focus on African unity and economic integration is promising. However, much will depend on his ability to navigate complex regional dynamics and build consensus.
Internationally, Ruto’s approach to foreign relations and debt will be closely watched. His criticism of unfair lending practices reflects a broader frustration among African leaders. If he succeeds in renegotiating the terms of Kenya’s debt, it could have implications for the entire continent.
William Ruto, from a humble upbringing to the presidential palace, represents a symbol of hope for change to many Kenyans. His “hustler” narrative and promises of economic empowerment have resonated in a country where many feel overlooked by the political elite.
But the road ahead is filled with obstacles. Kenya faces deep economic challenges, political divisions, and regional uncertainties. Ruto’s success will depend on his ability to deliver on his promises, build broad coalitions, and position Kenya as a constructive regional and global player.
For Africa as a whole, Ruto’s presidency represents a test of the continent’s ability to generate bottom-up economic growth, strengthen regional integration, and renegotiate its relationships with global power centers. Within this lies both the challenge and the promise of William Ruto’s presidency.
English (UK) 
Norsk bokmål 
Svenska 
Dansk 
Kiswahili 