DP Ruto’s big decision that saved Kenya during Raila's 'swearing in’

janet ndila

February 17, 2018 11:28 AM

How DP Ruto's decision saved Kenya from chaos

Details have emerged of how a last minute decision by Deputy President (DP) William Ruto prevented a political clash that could have led to destruction of property and loss of lives.

With political tension in the air, National Super Alliance (NASA) supporters and security agencies were charged for a face off as the opposition pushed on with plans to ‘swear in’ Raila Odinga.

Police officers were already on stand-by to prevent opposition supporters from accessing Uhuru Park and deal with them accordingly after state agencies declared the 30 January 2018 ceremony illegal.

With President Uhuru Kenyatta away in Addis Ababa, DP Ruto rose up to the occasion, with many analyst warning that the nation was staring at chaos and a deadly confrontation.

To the surprise of his handlers, DP Ruto, in a rare show of wisdom softened his stand and ordered security forces to withdraw, giving NASA a chance to proceed with its ‘swearing in’ of Raila.

A source privy to the details revealed to The Standard that “after a wee hours meeting with the security bosses that lasted up to after nine in the morning, the DP ordered for the withdrawal of the security officers.”

This was in sharp contrast to what was witnessed on when the opposition chief returned from the USA on 17 November 2017.

Police clashed with NASA supporters who had lined up the road to welcome the opposition leader home, leaving many dead and property worth millions destroyed.

Political analysts opined that the decision to allow the NASA oath to proceed saved the country from blood bath and ensured that the country remained stable despite the politically charged environment.