RUTO THE PRODIGAL SON

Ruto and the riddle of the prodigal son who returned home to a big banquet Related News My style: Miss Kenya Shamim Gangnam Virus Why celebs fall off VP ‘hands over’ Poghisio to URP SHARE THIS STORY Updated 10 hrs 45 mins ago By Peter Kimani A week, they say, is a long time in politics. It’s adequate for Eldoret North MP William Ruto to address a meeting in Ikolomani where bullman Boni Khalwale sings that Nusu Mkeka (half-carpet) ballad, and Ruto raps in by chiding a nation cannot be built on riddles. And before you can figure out whom Ruto had in mind, he’d have had enough time to hike a lift (some places are too dangerous to arrive in entourages), have some pre-cooked dinner and desert and get back to his regular beat before the day breaks. But let’s stop speaking in riddles – there are people who are more gifted in that regard – and try digest news of Ruto’s alleged plan to return to his old party, the Orange Democratic Movement, where he left in a huff. Big sneer Then, ODM leader, who happens to be Prime Minister Tinga, said some chaps – in obvious reference to Ruto and Deputy PM Uhuru – were gallivanting around the country pretending to be praying for peace when they deserved to be in custody, awaiting trial in The Hague for their alleged role in post-poll violence. Ruto returned the favour, in ways that were less dramatic, so his message did not stick in my mind. But I remember his sneer over Tinga’s politics of riddles, which he saw as construed for comic relief rather than serious task of nation-building. Ruto’s return to ODM, if and when that happens, shouldn’t be construed as entertainment as some are suggesting. This is what real-politic is all about. Here’s why: It resonates well with Ruto’s spirituality. He is a good Christian, I hear, and was rather seriously “saved” in his youth. The idea of the “prodigal” son returning home to a major banquet must be a very attractive proposition to him. Foster peace Ministers Henry Kosgey and Franklin Bett are complaining why Tinga should offer Ruto a chance to return “home,” leave alone serving as his running mate, while ignoring those who remained faithfully behind him. Kosgey and Bett should read the Bible again to understand Ruto’s enormous power as a “prodigal” son. Ruto’s return also speaks to his Christian faith, and there are prospects of him being used to foster peace in our land. PAGES 1 2 3 Next Reader’s Comments Click here to commentHide Comments in chronological order (Total 1 comments) Governor van Tarus - China 19 October 2012 10:10 AM I have always argued the best alliance that can transform this country is between Raila and Ruto since Raila is a brilliant political reformer while Ruto is a brilliant economic reformer and performer.