President William Ruto's administration has experienced a significant political shift, with former opposition leaders now becoming outspoken supporters of his government.
Previously vocal critics, such as Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, have taken prominent roles in defending Ruto's policies despite opposition from the public.
The shift is attributed to several factors, including establishing an inclusive government that incorporated members from the opposition's ODM Party and President Ruto's endorsement of ODM Leader Raila Odinga for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chair position.
This article examines how the two leaders once criticized Ruto and how their stance has since shifted:
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Junet Mohammed
In November 2022, Junet hit out at President Ruto over his attack on Odinga, who had criticised him over petitions seeking the removal of four IEBC commissioners.
Ruto had asked the opposition chief to allow Parliament to perform its mandate and hold election officials accountable for attempting to subvert the people's will.
But in a rejoinder, Junet told off the President, saying he sought to settle the political score through the ouster of the four.
"A country experiencing unprecedented drought and hunger, millions of children out of school, millions of young people out of work, crimes surging in urban areas, your policy failures leading to the high cost of living, shouldn't waste public resources settling petty political scores," he tweeted.
"Eti Parliament to hold people accountable. What a joke, Bunge, that operates from the lawns of the State House!! The foundation of impunity is electoral fraud perpetuated by Chebukati and the formation of the Ruto Commission for 2027. In a few days, the people of Kenya will decide," Junet added.
In March 2023, amid Azimio's call to mass action, Junet warned Ruto against barricading roads, terming it an attempt to curtail the free movement of Kenyans.
"Ruto must desist from barricading roads/highways across our country, especially roads he never built. All road barricades politically erected must be removed. We in the Movement for the Defence of Democracy (MDD) do not expect him to achieve anything, but we won't accept his attempt to turn Kenya into a failed state.
File image of MP Junet Mohammed.
"The political rights of Kenyans will not be sacrificed at the alter of an illegitimate regime hiding behind the security apparatus of our country to cling to power. Kenya was free before Ruto. It must remain so. We reject Ruto's attempt to curtail the free Movement of Kenyans," Junet stated.
The above are just two instances where Junet sharply criticised Ruto. However, after the formation of the broad-based government, Junet has changed tone and is now a defender of the President.
On December 3, 2024, when he accompanied the President on his development tour in the coastal region, Junet congratulated him and said things were progressing well.
"Mheshimiwa rais Congratulations umejikakamua mpaka leo naona mambo inaenda vizuri kabisa. Sisi tunauunga mkono kwa mambo mzuri, na uchumi vile naona sasa vile deni inalipwa na policies ambayo umeweka za macro-economics zinasaidia nchi naona hapa mbele kuna nuru, hapa mbele hakuna giza," he said.
Hassan Joho
He was arguably one of the harshest Ruto critics. He criticised and attacked Ruto from his time as deputy president to when he became President.
In November 2021, Joho, responding to claims of engaging Ruto ahead of the 2022 general election, said he had nothing to discuss with the then-deputy President.
"I don't even dream of engaging with DP Ruto. What will I discuss with him? What will he give me? A wheelbarrow? I played with a wheelbarrow a long time ago as a child. We have to be careful. A person who reminds you that you are poor and that your life can only be retrogressive is a serious problem," Joho said.
During presidential campaigns in May 2022, Joho branded Ruto as the most corrupt and dishonest person he's ever seen.
"Maisha yangu tangu nizaliwe sijawai ona mtu muongo, mfisadi, baradhuli...kama William Samoei Ruto," he said in part.
However, he changed his tune after being nominated CS for Mining. During his vetting, he was tasked to explain how he'd engage with the President given his previous remarks and noted that only a fool doesn't change his mind.
"Only a fool does not change his mind. I have been a big critic of this government. Now, I have an opportunity to create a difference. I will do exactly that," John said.
On December 3, 2024, while accompanying the President for a development tour of the Coastal region, Joho vowed to defend Ruto and his administration against critics, especially those on social media.
"Acha niseme mimi na kama wamejam wanaweza burst. This is the only country where someone takes to social media anatengeza kabukri na kuombea viongozi mabaya, naunataka tukuangalie...you will not remove this government using social media," Joho said in part.
