The Master of Spin: Ruto’s Art of Turning Challenges Into Opportunities

Scientists have delved deep into the mystery of why cats rarely end up on their backs when dropped upside down.

Similarly, there has been a rising interest in understanding President William Ruto’s ability to deftly handle political obstacles, emerging unscathed and perhaps even stronger. Along the same lines as other “Teflon” politicians, such as former United States President Donald Trump and Dutch PM Mark Rutte, Ruto boasts impressive skill when flipping negative coverage into triumph, escalating his prospects. When Ruto uttered his infamous words, “mambo ni matatu,” the outburst sparked quite an uproar.

In his statement, he presented corrupt individuals with three options: leave Kenya, face imprisonment, or be “transported” to heaven, a euphemism for execution. Critics argued that it was an unpresidential move, suggesting the endorsement of extrajudicial methods as official policy. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka labelled it a recipe for anarchy, while a lobby group sought legal action to compel Ruto to retract his statement.

Ruto, in an effort to protect struggling investments such as sugar factories, has claimed ownership of the phrase “mambo ni mangapi” and the accompanying three-finger sign, according to a notice from the Kenya Industrial Property Institute. Additionally, the “mambo ni matatu” phrase is also registered to Ruto. Unauthorized use of these phrases in various contexts, including clothing, advertising, education, and personal and social services, can lead to legal trouble without Dr. Ruto’s permission.

Ruto has a history of using negative comments from his opponents to his advantage, as seen when he turned their criticism of him calling himself a hustler into a means of connecting with voters at the lower end of the economic spectrum. Similarly, when his choice of a wheelbarrow as his party symbol was mocked as “backward,” Ruto had a ready response. In response to allegations of fathering a child out of wedlock, Ruto defended himself by highlighting his support for the mother.

This effectively shut down any potential political consequences stemming from his personal life. Political and policy expert Edwin Kegoli refers to Ruto as “Teflon Ruto”, noting his extraordinary ability to avoid criticism due to his talents in oration, political acumen, and debate. In their retrospective of Ruto’s first year in office, the opposition coalition Azimio la Umoja One Kenya reluctantly acknowledged his prowess even though they claim it typically generates meagre accomplishments.