Decision-Sting-7seconds-
Key faces behind William Ruto’s election victory
William Samoei Ruto will ascend to the presidency on Tuesday, September 13, replacing his immediate boss President Uhuru Kenyatta. Their tumultuous relationship notwithstanding, Ruto’s ascendency to the highest office in Kenya, on his first try is remarkable.
Following the contentious presidential elections in 2017, President Kenyatta choose the path of peace extending an olive branch to his fierce rival Raila Odinga, for the famous handshake. The ripple effect would see the cordial relationship between Uhuru and Ruto savored with the latter beginning his plot for the presidency.
In 2020, it was apparent that Jubilee would not back Ruto’s presidential bid, forcing him to form United Democratic Alliance Party and later the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Kenya Kwanza began purging the other parties, bringing in Ford Kenya and its party leader Moses Wetangula, as well as ANC’s Musalia Mudavadi, Amason Kingi of The Pamoja African Alliance (PAA), Communist Party of Kenya, Devolution Party, Economic Freedom Party, Farmers Party, The Service Party, Tujibebe Wakenya Party, and Umoja Maendeleo Party.
But there is a group of men and women who were involved in the strategy, campaigning as well as communications for the president-elect. This group was vital in propelling Ruto to a win.
Veronica Maina
She is not only UDA’s Secretary General, but she is also Ruto’s Ms Fix it. She has been involved in shaping stories around the party as well as overseeing the yellow wave that has left many in Mt. Kenya scratching their heads.
She has overseen the growth of UDA from obscurity to the majority in Parliament and Senate.
Dennis Itumbi
He is another of Ruto’s bishops. The former director of digital communications at State House played a vital role in the communications team that worked for President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy during the 2013 and 2017 elections.
With social media increasingly becoming a key battleground of narratives and messaging, Itumbi led a team of online influencers that shaped Ruto’s agenda online and kept his image in the feeds of the electorate.
Hussein Mohamed
In January 2022, he was appointed Head of Communications for Ruto’s presidential campaign and quickly became the mouthpiece of the campaign.
He briefed the public on the campaign plans while responding to issues arising during the elections.
Mohammed established himself as a top-tier journalist in the country while at Citizen TV. He hosted The Big Question, where he interviewed high-profile politicians including President Uhuru Kenyatta, the DP, and Raila Odinga.
Davis Chirchir
He is the Chief of Staff at DP Ruto’s office and the Chief Executive of his presidential campaign. The former Energy Minister was involved in the planning and coordination of campaigning schedules.
Josephat Nanok
The former Turkana Governor was the Director General of the DP Ruto Campaign. He was mandated to chair and coordinate all the activities of UDA campaign formations.
David Ndii
He led the team that coordinated all county bottom-up economic forums where UDA received the majority of issues ailing Kenyans. From the county forums, Ndii went on to coordinate the formation of county charters that helped create the manifesto.
The economy expert is the brain behind Ruto’s manifesto dubbed ‘The Plan’.
Ambassador Ababu Namwamba
He was appointed the Head of International Relations of the Ruto Presidential Campaign Secretariat. Namwamba has served as Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as Budalangi MP.
Others involved in the campaign are David Mugonyi, Emmanuel Talam, Munyori Buku, and Eric Ngeno in communications.
On strategy, there have been people like Linda Musumba, Korir Sing’oei, Irene Asienga, and Eliud Owalo.
Ruto also wooed into his camp political mercenaries like National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, Professor Kithure Kindiki, Garissa township MP, Aden Duale, and MP for Kiharu constituency Ndindi Nyoro.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.