Kenyan politics is full of intrigues, betrayal, hypocrisy and deceit, right from the top. Take the current war of words between President William Ruto and his once trusted deputy and ally Rigathi Gachagua.

Two years ago, no one would have imagined that their political bonhomie would turn into the ugly public spectacle we see now that has exposed the highest office in the nation to ridicule and disrepute.

Not that it has come as a surprise to the seasoned pundits who have grown accustomed to the bizarre, twisted, backstabbing nature of Kenyan politics. The more things change, the more they remain the same, so they say. They hasten to add that there are no permanent enemies or friends in “siasa”, Kenya style.

Ironically, the spat between the unlikely Kenya Kwanza allies who squeaked through the last presidential election to a controversial, contentious victory, bears an uncanny resemblance to that between Ruto, then Deputy President, and his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta.

In a bare-knuckle, no-holds-barred effort full of propaganda and a cunningly cobbled “hustler” narrative, Ruto led Gachagua in jointly politically skewering Kenyatta, who had condemned his then deputy to support Opposition leader Raila Odinga for the top seat.

That the duo managed to turn the tables against the formidable Azimio la Umoja candidate and the so-called “deep state”, which Ruto managed to successfully penetrate, establishing his own juggernaut, is the tale of intrigues and treachery that Kenyan politics thrives on.

Incredibly, two years later, the man Gachagua had vigorously chaperoned Ruto in vilifying and ridiculing at rallies and from the pulpit, suddenly became the President’s strongest confidant, with his (and Kenyatta’s) staunch allies ensconced in key Cabinet positions.

The writing was on the wall for “Riggy G”, who had acquired celebrity status with a fancy name to boot as his rap-like barbs at Raila and Uhuru reached a crescendo. Then, abruptly, his influence in the intriguing inner sanctums of power began to rapidly dwindle.

Betrayal and disgrace quickly followed with a well-orchestrated impeachment process as a combative yet humbled DP, with some pyrrhic victory in the court of public opinion, went down fighting in a National Assembly and Senate held captive by the Executive.

It is a fight Gachagua continues to wage against his former boss in the Presidency, relying on a treasure trove of impeccable information he has, courtesy of his stint at the top dating back to when he started campaigning with his estranged ally.

Yet to citizens, Riggy G, in trading high-octane accusations with Ruto, has become a darling of freedom of expression, turning his fall from grace into an altar to discern truth and dishonesty in the intrigues and power games that adorn Kenyan politics.

The President, a proven master of these intrigues, has been forced to defend not only his political track record, but to also place his reputation and integrity on the line. His self-portrayed pious demeanour already defrocked by a stinging rebuke from the Church.

He has mounted election-like campaign rallies to battle public disaffection against unpopular policies and State actions catalysed by the Gen Z protests that rocked Kenya. But his belaboured responses have instead earned him monikers from a skeptical citizenry.

Unfortunately, the suspected State-linked abductions and other human rights violations, added to the back and forth with Gachagua, is tarnishing the image of the highest office in the nation.

— The writer comments on national affairs; [email protected]