Why Ruto Pushed Oscar Sudi Aside for Gachagua

Why Ruto Pushed Oscar Sudi Aside for Gachagua

Why Ruto Pushed Oscar Sudi Aside for Gachagua

Javas Bigambo, a specialist in governance and devolution, has advised lawmakers who relish the perks of power to take caution and follow etiquette when engaging with President William Ruto in public.

Bigambo brought up the instance in which Ruto prevented Oscar Sudi, the Kapseret MP, from approaching Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua while the dignitaries were leaving the funeral of world record holder Kelvin Kiptum.

In a widely circulated video, Ruto provoked debate and criticism by pushing Sudi out of the way after the latter misinterpreted his signal cautioning him against obstructing the DP. In an attempt to make up for his error, Sudi was spotted attempting to embrace the DP before patting on his shoulder.

Interpreting the event, Bigambo claimed that lawmakers in the President’s inner circle retain a strong sense of power because they have access to or are close to those in positions of authority.However, both written and unwritten protocol rules govern their interactions, movements, public appearance, and itinerary.

“There is always the illusion of power because of access by individuals who are close to the centre of power, in this case, the reference being the president,” he explained. 

“Comparatively, if you look at other African countries, you will realise that there is a manner in which protocol is used, and not only guided but also respected, even if somebody is close to the president,” he argued. 

Protocol Training 

At the Kenya School of Government, state employees and other top leaders are trained in various thematic areas including protocol, etiquette, foreign affairs and governance. 

Bigambo emphasized that in order to avoid similar embarrassing circumstances in the future, more protocol-related training should be provided to people holding public office outside of the classroom.

To help them from the moment they take office, it is crucial that CSs, PSs, and even MPs receive protocol training in this regard. in order to prevent some of these embarrassing situations from happening or violations,” he said.

Renowned political analyst Bigambo continued, “Also, one does not need to show the media or public that they are close to the president, because that is when we invite such kind of embarrassments, merely because you want to show you are close to power.”

Who Takes the Blame for Ruto-Sudi Incident 

Bigambo did not pin the blame on any state official but advised the head of public service Felix Koskei or even the head of protocol, to guide politicians around President Ruto.  

“In the same way, people appointed as ambassadors always undergo protocol training at the School of Government.“

“Such kind of training, guided and coordinated by the head of the public service, State House, as well as the speaker’s office, to address the matter of protocol and training for all leaders and public service officers.” 

Ruto-Gachagua Bromance? 

Bigambo, a lawyer and political communication strategist, also weighed in on analysts who lauded Ruto for managing Sudi but differed from those who claimed that his action showcased bromance between the President and his deputy. 

He argued that Ruto acted impulsively because he understood politics and protocol, having served the country in different positions, from a Member of Parliament to President.  

“So far we have not seen any display of disregard between the President and his DP, the way we had seen in the Jubilee regime with Uhuru and Ruto. However, there could be some kind of power play behind the curtains, which is more often noticed in Kenya than in any other country. 

“This can be attributed to the need to control powers within various electoral borders,” Bigambo, a director at Interthoughts Consulting explained.

Critics Differ

Jubilee deputy organising secretary Pauline Njoroge asserted that, based on the incident that garnered attention in political circles, Ruto’s friends were secretly impeding Gachagua.

“Sudi was genuinely placed back in his proper place. How could he attempt to publicly walk in front of the deputy president? They subject him to these practices behind closed doors. But undoubtedly in public?” A member of the opposition party bemoaned, Njoroge, an opposition party member lamented. 

What Does the Law State

The hierarchy of the Executive is set forth in Executive Order No. 1 of 2023, with the President, his Deputy President, the Attorney-General, the Prime Cabinet Secretary, and Cabinet Secretaries in order of seniority.

The Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, the Secretary to the Cabinet, Principal Secretaries, the Comptroller of State House, the President’s Private Secretary, the Deputy President’s Chief of Staff, and the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s Chief of Staff are ranked below them.

Protocol stewards are in charge of seating arrangements, determining where people should move, and determining seniority in cases involving other dignitaries such as senators, governors, Supreme Court justices, and members of parliament.