In his latest podcast, political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi delivers a compelling parable and commentary on Kenya’s political landscape, especially the simmering tensions between President William Ruto and the Kikuyu community. He uses a symbolic story about two men, Pablo and Bruno, who are tasked with filling a village water tank to draw a sharp contrast between visionary leadership and short-term thinking.
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In his latest podcast, political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi delivers a sharp commentary on Kenya’s political dynamics, particularly the tensions between President William Ruto and the Kikuyu community. Using a symbolic parable about two men, Pablo and Bruno, Ngunyi draws a contrast between visionary leadership and short-term thinking.
In the story, Pablo chooses to build a pipeline from the river to the village water tank, while Bruno continues the exhausting work of carrying buckets of water. Initially mocked and abandoned, Pablo succeeds in the long run, demonstrating the power of foresight. Ngunyi likens Pablo to President Ruto — often misunderstood today, but potentially transformative for Kenya tomorrow. Bruno, in contrast, represents the political class clinging to traditional methods and resisting innovation.
Ngunyi argues that the Kikuyu anger toward Ruto is manufactured rather than genuine. He claims that Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has influenced the community into believing they are under siege simply because the presidency is no longer held by a Kikuyu. This, he says, is a manipulation rooted in entitlement rather than equity.
Historical comparisons reinforce his point. Under Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, billions of shillings were borrowed to develop Central Kenya. Today, Ruto has borrowed KSh 3 trillion to build roads across other regions like Nyanza, Western, and North Eastern Kenya. Yet some Kikuyus protest the development of regions outside Mount Kenya. Ngunyi asks: if roads in Murang’a and Nyeri were funded with national resources, why shouldn’t the same community support development in Turkana or Siaya?
He also highlights the tangible benefits under Ruto’s leadership. Coffee farmers, mainly Kikuyus, are earning record prices: KSh 150 per kilo, up from KSh 60 under Uhuru, KSh 2.50 under Moi, and just 50 cents under Jomo Kenyatta. Yet, resentment persists despite these economic gains.
Ngunyi further notes that in the 2022 elections, over 8 million registered voters did not vote, largely from marginalized communities. Ruto’s appointment of a Turkana, Mr. Ethekon, as head of the IEBC, symbolizes inclusion, marking a shift from decades of Kikuyu dominance in the presidency or deputy presidency.
In conclusion, Ngunyi frames Kenya’s political future as one where old power structures must adapt. The roads and development once concentrated in Mount Kenya must now reach Turkana, Garissa, and Busia. The “bucket carriers” must step aside for the “tank builder” to complete his work.
The ultimate question Ngunyi leaves for Kenyans is clear: Is Ruto the misunderstood builder of Kenya’s future?
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