With 2022 succession politics quickly taking shape, different political leaders aspiring to take over the mantle from President Uhuru Kenyatta have already laid strategies that will garner them maximum votes when the time comes.
Among those in the front row looking to succeed the son of Jomo is Deputy President William Ruto. Dr. Ruto, the self-proclaimed Hustler has been moving round the country popularizing his bid using the ‘Hustler tag’ against the ‘Dynasties’ who according to him are up in arms to see that ‘the son of a peasant’ does not come anywhere close to the throne in 2022.
Ruto and his team have been riding on the hustler tag thanks to the fact that he rose from a humble beginning as compared to his competitors the dynasties who according to the team wants to ensure that their reign remains undisputed.
These sentiments seemed to have however angered the head of state who have so far indirectly warned Ruto’s camp against the Hustler verses Dynasties debate.
Speaking on August 22 during the 41st anniversary of the country’s founding father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, President Uhuru publicly rejected the ‘dynasties’ tag saying leadership is not about where one was born but their ability to deliver.
“Leadership is not about where you were born. It is not about where you came from. It is not about the colour of your skin. It is not about your tribe. It is just about a desire to serve; a desire to do good; a desire to make a difference in the lives of people, and anybody can do that.” said the President.
The sentiments by political leaders have however elicited more reactions from members of the public who have so far been divided between the Hustler and Dynasty Nations.
According to those who support the Hustler nation, dynasty narrative usually rides on low civic consciousness and mass poverty in the country to thrive. They exploit tension-generating inequalities for their survival.
On the other hand, those for the Dynasty nation argues that Ruto’s team was running out of tactics ahead of 2022 hence choosing to cling on ‘Dynasty verses Hustler’ notion in order to remain relevant. Here are some of the mixed reactions from section of social media users;
James Ngugi Unfortunately the so called hustler is not the actual hustler, the actual hustler is wanjiku
Phillip Njiraini The battle between hustlers and dynasties is very clear. The hustlers will have their say in 2022
Politics in Kenya is about the hustler nation verses dynasties so William rutto will become the first president from hustler nation
— Lennox Katana (@LennoxKatana7) April 23, 2019
Sorry,1992 &1997 we wanted hustler Matiba.Ruto supported &Voted dynasty.2002,pple wanted hustler Kibaki.Ruto supported and voted dynasty Uhuru.
Let him not think kenyans are fools.He is insulting poor kenyans by calling himself hustler.— The Kaibis (@JNestroy) September 1, 2019
Mark Mutunga Name one hustler running for president.These guys are multimillionaire and billionaire’s. The tag is just a sleek word they use to get votes from majority which are the poor.We need new blood with a vision for this country. What will they do after 2022 they can’t do now
Peter Olut The voting citizenry has come of age and the trivial issue about dynasty or hustler is meant to spark sympathy in favour of the hustler.The hustler must then have an added advantage apart from the narrative of being a hustler in order to clinch the top seat.
Kenyans must not be deceived! There are no "husters" in the Presidential race… infact they cannot even afford the costly campaigns! Really, the combatants belong to just one class… the Capitalist or Rich class! The poor class & hustlers are only deployed to fight each other!
— Tush (@Tush_2017) September 1, 2019
Dickson Changwony Hustler nation is growing day in day out …By 2022 it will not be tough as you have put. The entire nation will be pro hustler
Generali Whillie Dynasty must fall.its our high time to think about it and change
Mary Mutua The likelihood of William Ruto triumphing is at the highest level. No doubt about it.
The dynasties created this scenario thinking they are smartest. Dynasty Uhuru renegades hustler Ruto who made uhuru president. Goes ahead to belly dance with Dynasty EXPM – hustler Ruto thrown under the bridge. Dawa ya moto si ni moto. These two positions are hardened – n’retreat
— Tadeo Paneta (@fenixinix) September 1, 2019
Support your fellow hustler https://t.co/uwyTbFE3OK
— We Support Ruto (@WeSupportRuto) September 1, 2019