AJUOK: Running mate headache plagues Ruto and divided opposition
This article explores the historical and political tensions surrounding the selection of deputy presidents in Kenya. It notes that presidents often view their deputies with suspicion, leading to the appointment of politically 'harmless' individuals.
Why it matters
Understanding the history of the deputy president role provides context for current political power struggles and coalition dynamics in Kenya.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DCP boss Rigathi Gachagua. Ever since Independence, the position of vice-president, and later deputy president under the 2010 Constitution, has come with huge doses of intrigue, suspicion, political backstabbing /FILE Ever since Independence, the position of vice-president, and later deputy president under the 2010 Constitution, has come with huge doses of intrigue, suspicion, political backstabbing and humiliation of the holder.
It has always seemed that successive Kenyan presidents fill the slot only to fulfil the requirements of the law but feel inconvenienced by having someone so close to their own seat.
It doesn’t help that the tribal mafia around every president hasn’t had much regard for his principal deputy.
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