Political Strategist’s Revealing Interview Sheds Light on Covert Election Tactics
In a surprising revelation that has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s political landscape, former president Uhuru Kenyatta’s technical advisor, Mutahi Ngunyi, has shared intricate details about a series of covert tactics employed to hinder William Ruto’s 2022 presidential bid.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on August 12, 2023, Ngunyi disclosed the strategic maneuvers devised by the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition to counter Ruto’s campaign.
Among the startling admissions was the claim that the coalition had funded the manifesto launch of George Wajackoyah, the presidential candidate for the Roots Party, deliberately scheduling it to coincide with Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza manifesto launch. Ngunyi explained that the intention was to agitate Ruto, who is known for his choleric temper, thereby generating divided attention with half screens on TVs during both speeches.
This masterstroke, as Ngunyi described it, aimed to dilute the impact of Ruto’s campaign and frustrate his messaging.Ngunyi justified this strategy by stating, “Our thinking is that Ruto is of a choleric temper, so I wanted to do this as a way of irritating him.”
This revelation offers a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes maneuvering that takes place in high-stakes political campaigns, shedding light on the lengths to which parties are willing to go to gain a competitive edge.
However, Ngunyi’s disclosures didn’t stop there. He criticised George Wajackoyah for not fulfilling his role as a “useful idiot,” a term used in political science to describe individuals who unwittingly aid a cause without fully understanding the consequences.
Ngunyi accused Wajackoyah of squandering the opportunity Azimio had provided, insinuating that his presence in the race had split the vote and ultimately cost Azimio leader Raila Odinga the presidency.
The interview also provided insight into the political dynamics between Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto. Ngunyi recounted an instance where he confronted Uhuru to garner his support for Ruto’s presidential bid. However, his plea led to his bank accounts being frozen multiple times, illustrating the tensions between the former allies.
Ngunyi’s candid admissions were given context through his own defection to President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza camp. He cited a shift in his opinions on the president as the reason for his defection, emphasising the importance of adapting one’s views when confronted with changing facts.
In a public statement on social media, Ngunyi declared, “I misjudged him using the dynasty lens. But if the facts change, you must change your mind. And only a fool does not change his mind. I started Project #HustlerNation. Now I must complete it.”
This revelation, coupled with Ngunyi’s analytical perspective as a political scientist, adds layers to the already intricate political landscape in Kenya. It showcases the interplay of strategic planning, alliances, and unexpected turns that define modern political campaigns.
Ngunyi’s departure from mere analysis to becoming an active participant in the Hustler Nation further underscores the evolving nature of political engagement in the digital age.
The accusations of being a “useful idiot” could have implications on Wajackoyah’s political credibility, potentially influencing voters’ perception of his role in the 2022 election.
As Kenya’s political landscape continues to evolve, Ngunyi’s insights serve as a reminder that campaign strategies extend far beyond public speeches and policy promises. Behind the scenes, operatives carefully craft tactics to gain an edge over their opponents, often using unconventional methods to provoke reactions and manipulate attention.
This interview peels back the layers of political intrigue, exposing the calculated moves that drive electoral narratives and outcomes.
In the aftermath of Ngunyi’s revelations, political analysts and observers are left to contemplate the ramifications of his candid admissions. While the 2022 elections have concluded, the insights shared by Ngunyi offer valuable lessons for future campaigns and shed light on the complex strategies that shape Kenya’s political landscape.
The interview highlights the enduring truth that politics is not just a battle of ideologies but a chessboard where every move, however covert, plays a critical role in shaping the nation’s destiny.