ODM kingmaker turned destroyer of the king

Now that the battle lines have been drawn, the question is whether Mr Ruto has the muscle to wage the battle. There is also the fear that party wars will spill into the House and derail its agenda particularly the constitution review. It seems Mr Ruto has taken comfort in numbers – at least for now – and appears to be enjoying Mr Kenyatta’s support.

The two youthful ministers wield immense resources, a critical tool in Kenyan politics. The ODM deputy leader commands the support of Kalenjin MPs except Mr Langat Magerer, party chairman and Industrialisation minister Henry Kosgey and his Higher Education colleague Dr Sally Kosgei, Kapenguria MP Julius Murgor, Wilson Litole (Sigor) and nominated MP Musa Sirma.

He also has the backing of some PNU members, mainly Mr Kenyatta’s allies. Indeed, a significant portion of PNU MPs threw their weight behind Mr Isaac Ruto’s motion of adjournment last Wednesday. Of the 71 who backed the motion, 49 were from the PNU coalition.

Mr Ruto, who has teamed up with his Tourism counterpart Najib Balala in defiance of the PM, attracts considerable following in Upper Eastern and North Eastern regions and has a handful of Luhyia and Kisii MPs as well. A graduate of the Moi school of politics, the minister understand Mr Odinga’s political thinking, having worked with him closely since the 2005 law referendum and the last election campaigns. If a motion of no-confidence were brought up against the PM, the Ruto allies would marshal sufficient numbers to pose a threat.