They once stood firmly against him, publicly declaring they couldn’t work with or under him. Yet, in an interesting twist, several of these outspoken leaders now hold senior positions in President William Ruto’s government.
So, what changed? Was it strategy, circumstance, or simply the evolving nature of politics? Whatever the reason, these leaders who once said they couldn’t work with President Ruto eventually found their place in his government. Here’s a look at some of them:
Makau Mutua
In July 2020, Makau Mutua, a respected legal scholar and Daily Nation columnist, wrote an article claiming he had been approached and urged to join William Ruto’s team ahead of the 2022 general election.
He firmly rejected the idea, making his stance crystal clear in a bold statement:
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"Mr Ruto and his campaign should read my lips – or rather the words from the tip of my pen. The answer is nyet (no). I can’t – and won’t – work with Mr Ruto. Never. Ever. Case closed," he declared in his Daily Nation column.
However, in April 2025, Makau, a close associate of ODM leader Raila Odinga, was appointed as the Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs in the Executive Office of the President.
In a statement on Wednesday, April 30, Ruto praised Mutua’s extensive background in legal and constitutional matters, and welcomed him to his team.
"I have appointed Prof Makau Mutua as the Senior Advisor of Constitutional Affairs in the Executive Office of the President. Prof Mutua brings a wealth of experience in legal, constitutional, and human rights matters," Ruto said in part.
Reacting to the appointment, Mutua expressed gratitude to Ruto for the appointment and promised to serve with diligence and distinction.
"I am grateful to His Excellency, President William Rut,o for appointing me Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs in the Executive Office of the President. Our Constitution is the beating heart of the Republic. Mr President, I promise to serve you and our fellow citizens with diligence, honor, and distinction," he stated.
Hassan Joho
The former Mombasa County governor was arguably one of Ruto's harshest critics, attacking him from his time as Deputy President to when he became President.
In November 2021, responding to claims of engaging Ruto ahead of the 2022 general election, Joho said: "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."
File image of Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya.
During the 2022 campaigns, he added: "Maisha yangu tangu nizaliwe sijawai ona mtu muongo, mfisadi, baradhuli...kama William Samoei Ruto."
But in July 2024, Joho was nominated as Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Mining and Blue Economy and made a complete u-turn. During his vetting, he addressed the shift, saying: "Only a fool does not change his mind. I have been a big critic of this government. Now, I have an opportunity to make a difference. I will do exactly that."
He has since gone from a vocal critic to a defender of the Ruto administration.
Wycliffe Oparanya
In February 2022, reports emerged on social media linking Oparanya to Kenya Kwanza, led by Ruto, however, the former Kakamega County Governor dismissed the claims, noting that he'd rather be a farmer than join Ruto.
"If Kenya Kwanza Alliance is the only option for me, I would rather resign from politics and go home to be a farmer than join them," he said.
Oparanya said he can not work with Ruto because they don't share common ideals, adding that thought of him working with the Kenya Kwanza coalition leader had never crossed his mind.
"I have never even thought of it, and I have never imagined that I can join Kenya Kwanza Alliance," he said.
However, in July 2024, he was nominated CS for Co-Operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and subsequently assumed office on August 8, 2024.
While assuming office, Oparanya said: "Honoured and deeply humbled to be appointed by H.E. President William Ruto to serve in the Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development.
"I am committed to empowering our entrepreneurs, strengthening cooperatives, and fostering growth in the MSME sector. Together, we will build a resilient and prosperous future for all Kenyans. Looking forward to this new chapter of service to our great nation."
