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In the ruthless arena of Kenyan politics, President William Ruto's calculated moves to undermine his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, illustrate a stark application of Machiavellian strategy.
Drawing from Niccolò Machiavelli's seminal work, The Prince, Ruto’s tactics are a masterclass in classic power plays designed to cripple a rival and consolidate authority. Let's consider the specific strategies Ruto is employing to ensure Gachagua remains occupied with local crises, highlighting how The Prince serves as a blueprint for his actions.
Lighting Fires in Gachagua's Backyard
"One must acknowledge that there is nothing more difficult to plan, more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to manage than the creation of a new order of things," Machiavelli writes in The Prince (Chapter VI).
Ruto’s approach to dealing with Gachagua exemplifies this principle. By instigating and fuelling local conflicts and crises, Ruto ensures that Gachagua is perpetually occupied with issues within his own constituency, thus preventing him from building a broader national influence.
Recent political unrest and economic disruptions in areas considered Gachagua’s strongholds are not mere coincidences. These “fires” are strategically lit to keep Gachagua on the defensive, exhausting his resources and political capital. The constant need to address local grievances distracts him from the national stage, mirroring Machiavelli's assertion that a leader who is continually managing crises at home is less capable of pursuing broader ambitions.
The Puppet Strategy: Selecting a Political Neophyte
"Therefore, a wise prince ought to adopt such a course that his citizens will always, in every sort and kind of circumstance, have need of the state and of him, and then they will always be faithful to him," Machiavelli advises (Chapter IX).
Ruto’s selection of Gachagua as his deputy was no accident. By choosing a political neophyte with limited national appeal, Ruto ensured that his deputy would remain dependent on his support and guidance.
Gachagua’s lack of political experience on the national stage makes him an easy target for manipulation and control. This dynamic is evident in how Ruto has maintained a tight grip on key political and administrative decisions, leaving Gachagua with little room to manoeuvre independently. This approach not only prevents Gachagua from amassing his own power base but also reinforces Ruto's dominance within the political hierarchy.
Divide and Conquer: Exploiting Ethnic Divisions
Machiavelli’s strategy of divide and conquer is evident in Ruto’s tactics. "A prince must have no other object, nor any other thought, nor take anything else as his art but that of war and its rules and discipline," Machiavelli states (Chapter XIV). In the context of Kenyan politics, "war" translates to the manipulation of ethnic divisions and rivalries.
By exacerbating tensions within the Kikuyu community, Ruto keeps potential challengers, including Gachagua, preoccupied with internal disputes. This not only weakens their ability to unite against him but also solidifies his position as the indispensable arbiter of peace and stability.
The Art of Patronage and Deception
Machiavelli famously notes, "The promise given was a necessity of the past: the word broken is a necessity of the present" (Chapter XVIII). Ruto has masterfully employed patronage and deception to keep Gachagua and other potential rivals in check. By promising support and then strategically withdrawing it, Ruto keeps his allies uncertain and off-balance.
Instances of Gachagua being sidelined in key government appointments and decisions are clear examples of this tactic. Ruto’s public declarations of support are often followed by actions that undermine Gachagua’s authority and credibility, creating an environment of mistrust and dependence.
Exhaustion by Design: The Long Game
"A prince is also esteemed when he is a true friend and a true enemy," Machiavelli observes (Chapter XXI). Ruto’s long-term strategy involves not just immediate political skirmishes but also the gradual erosion of Gachagua’s stamina and resources. By the time elections come around, Ruto aims to ensure that Gachagua is so worn out from constant firefighting that he poses no significant threat.
This exhaustion tactic is evident in the relentless pressure applied to Gachagua’s political and economic interests. From sponsoring "undetectable" attacks to engineering political setbacks, Ruto’s strategy is to ensure that Gachagua is perpetually on the back foot, unable to mount a coherent challenge.
The Inevitable Outcome
In The Prince, Machiavelli outlines the harsh realities of political power: "The ends justify the means" (Chapter XVIII).
Ruto’s application of these principles in his dealings with Gachagua is a masterclass in Machiavellian strategy. By keeping his deputy entangled in local crises, exploiting his inexperience, dividing potential coalitions, and employing deception and patronage, Ruto ensures that his path to uncontested power remains clear.
As the political landscape evolves, it becomes increasingly apparent why Ruto selected Gachagua as his deputy: not as a partner, but as a pawn in a broader game of political chess. This manoeuvering not only showcases Ruto's political acumen but also serves as a stark reminder of the enduring relevance of Machiavelli’s insights into power and leadership.
As the next election approaches, the effectiveness of Ruto’s tactics will become even more evident.
Whether Gachagua will recognise and counter these moves remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: in the Machiavellian playbook of Kenyan politics, Ruto is firmly in control, and Gachagua is left to navigate the treacherous waters with dwindling resources and waning influence.
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