Amidst concerns that the “handshake” between President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga is threatening his political ambitions, Deputy President William Ruto has adopted a new strategy, borrowing heavily from current US president Donald Trump.
DP Ruto adopts Donald Trump’s strategy amidst concerns that handshake may sink his 2022 political ambitions
Change of plans
File image of DP Ruto with Kipchumba Murkomen
Recommended articles
From the humble man who made a debut on Twitter in 2011, Ruto has evolved into a one-man army on Twitter, turning his tweets into political arsenal and issuing stinging responses to his critics in dosses.
Backed by the likes of Dennis Itumbi, Bonny Khalwale among others, the DP has taken the battle to the cyberspace, responding almost instantly to his rivals and engaging directly with the online community rather than waiting for a political rally to give a response.
His critics have been quick to point out that his abrasive tweets and tackles on Twitter make him come out as a bitter and vengeful man-traits that many opine would not be good for a man seeking the top seat.
ADVERTISEMENT
Nonetheless, the DP has not shied away from giving his verdict, firing at his political enemies whether real or perceived in Tweets that leave no doubt that he is not a happy man.
Opposition chief Raila Odinga and the media bear the brunt of DP Ruto’s online outburst.
Maina Kamanda, Kivutha Kibwana,Anne Waiguru, Raila Odinga, Alfred Mutua and Charity Ngilu at a campaign rally for Bernard Imran Okoth in Kibra
Pulse Live Kenya
Case in point is yesterday where the DP took on Raila Odinga in a series of tweets that left no doubt that he is yet to come to terms with McDonald Mariga’s loss in Kibra and the events that unfolded on Thursday.
“The ONLY strategy and structure Tinga’s party had which largely succeeded was, violence, chaos, mayhem & terror meted out by organized baba’s militia the same instruments used by terrorists organizations including outlawed groups. How sad they have learnt nothing from handshake,” read one tweet.
ADVERTISEMENT
“As Kenyans we demand that Tinga, his party unconditionally, unequivocally and publicly RENOUNCE the culture of violence, chaos, terror and gangsterism their signature modus operandi as witnessed in Kibra & unreservedly apologise to victims past and present for their hurt and loss.” Read yet another.
DP Ruto
Pulse Live Kenya
Nonetheless, the DP has not shied away from giving his verdict, firing at his political enemies whether real or perceived in Tweets that leave no doubt that he is not a happy man.
Just like President Trump,the Deputy President has also embraced Twitter in his controversial fight against what he terms as ‘fake news’ and misinformation.
Renowned communications expert Dismas Mokua told the Standard that “When he (DP Ruto) is not happy with what the media reports, he dismisses it as fake news or alternative facts. He has used the Tweets for a while now, to expose or dismiss his critique”.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: news@pulselive.co.ke
Next story