Ruto Swiftly Consolidates Power in Kenya through Political Maneuvering
• President Ruto seems to be consolidating power - securing support in parliament, the counties, his own party, and pushing through his agenda • Ruto endorsed opposition leader Raila Odinga for African Union Commission chairmanship, seen as an attempt to deflate dissent • Ruto has persuaded many politicians to join his camp, assuring he has parliamentary majority • Analysts say Ruto has positioned himself as an "imperial president" wielding real power while constitution is just on paper • Ruto appointed cabinet members without prior public service experience, relying more on his close advisors based at State House