Inside DP Ruto’s Tanga Tanga Movement’s Well Oiled Political Machinery

Tanga Tanga Movement, a fiercely ambitious mix of youthful politicians backing Dr Ruto has made headlines for the manner it which it is driving it’s agenda across the nation.

One would be wrong to ignore the impact that the movement has already caused especially to DP Ruto’s Political ambitions with the movement making inroads to areas that were previously considered to be opposition strongholds like Western Kenya.

The movement got it’s name when President Kenyatta remarked that Dr Ruto goes around the country akitanga tanga (roaming around), in what was interpreted as a rebuke to Dr Ruto, but which they took as a licence for him to tour the country.

With no clear leader except the DP himself, and as slippery as a Mt Kenya trout, the group harangues anyone perceived as a threat to the DP. Their political machinery is well-oiled.

Every weekend they put up posters online outlining Dr Ruto’s activities, their message backed by bloggers across the jungle that is social media. They have cash and splash it at harambees.

Tabulations done mid last year showed that the team was contributing at least Sh7 million a month, mostly during church harambees.

Dr Ruto has also gone on overdrive to launch projects across the country, unavailability of cash notwithstanding.

They have also launched a dynasty versus hustlers political storyline, insisting that those opposing a Ruto presidency are the old-guard who do not want the son of a peasant to ascend to power.

The other main political figures in the country, including President Kenyatta, Nasa leader Raila Odinga and ANC chief Musalia Mudavadi, come from aristocratic and mostly wealthy families with name recognition, a privilege Dr Ruto does not enjoy.

“Rich political brokers are only thinking about how to grow their wealth and do not trust the hustler son of a peasant. But votes belong to the common hustler and Wanjiku, who will back Ruto in 2022,” a member of team Tanga Tanga said.

Their aim is to ensure that the DP becomes president in 2022. “Our business is Ruto and Ruto is our business. He brings development to us,” Mr Nyoro added.

But Dr Ruto’s allure goes beyond development.

They argue that Dr Ruto is more accessible and pressures ministries and parastatals to fast-track projects, while getting an appointment with the President is not easy.

“The DP is more available. He even picks our calls,” Mr Linturi said.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *