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A 2010 incident where then-Prime Minister Raila Odinga moved to suspend William Ruto from his ministerial position highlights the intricate power dynamics and constitutional ambiguities that characterised Kenya's Grand Coalition Government.
The Grand Coalition Government, formed in April 2008 following the post-election violence of 2007-2008, brought together President Mwai Kibaki's Party of National Unity (PNU) and Raila Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in a power-sharing agreement. This arrangement, enshrined in the National Accord and Reconciliation Act, 2008, created the position of Prime Minister, held by Odinga, with authority to coordinate and supervise government functions. William Ruto, then a prominent member of ODM, served as the Minister for Agriculture from 2008 to 2010, before being moved to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology in April 2010.
The coalition, though crucial for restoring peace, was often marked by internal friction and disagreements between the two principals, President Kibaki and Prime Minister Odinga. These tensions frequently stemmed from differing interpretations of their respective powers and responsibilities within the semi-presidential system.
On Sunday, February 14, 2010, Prime Minister Raila Odinga publicly announced the suspension of William Ruto, then Minister for Agriculture, and Sam Ongeri, then Minister for Education, over alleged corruption. Odinga cited a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the International Auditor General, which he claimed implicated Ruto in a maize scandal. The alleged scandal involved the procurement of maize from South Africa and its subsequent sale to millers at inflated prices, contrary to government directives.
However, President Mwai Kibaki swiftly overturned Odinga's decision, stating that the Prime Minister lacked the constitutional authority to suspend or remove ministers. Kibaki's statement emphasised that there had been no consultation between the President and the Prime Minister on the matter, asserting that Ruto and Ongeri remained in their positions. This public disagreement highlighted the ambiguities in the power-sharing arrangement and the ongoing struggle for executive authority within the coalition government.
The National Accord and Reconciliation Act, 2008, established the framework for the Grand Coalition Government and outlined the roles of the President and the Prime Minister. While the Prime Minister was granted authority to coordinate and supervise government functions, the ultimate power to appoint and dismiss ministers remained with the President. The Act stipulated that the removal of any minister from the coalition government required consultation and written concurrence by the leaders of the coalition parties.
The 2010 Constitution, which was promulgated later that year, abolished the position of Prime Minister after the 2013 general elections, transitioning Kenya back to a purely presidential system. This constitutional change aimed to address some of the governance challenges and power struggles experienced during the coalition era.
William Ruto, in response to Odinga's suspension attempt, dismissed it, asserting that Odinga was not his appointing authority and that the PwC report did not implicate him directly. This incident further strained the already complex relationship between Odinga and Ruto, who were then political allies within the ODM.
The public spat also drew attention to the broader issue of corruption within the government, with civil society and some Members of Parliament calling for accountability. The event underscored the challenges of implementing reforms and combating graft within a power-sharing arrangement where political interests often clashed.
The historical episode of attempted ministerial suspension during the Grand Coalition Government serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of power in coalition politics. Future political alliances and power-sharing discussions in Kenya will likely draw lessons from this period, particularly concerning the clarity of executive authority and accountability mechanisms. The ongoing political discourse in Kenya continues to reference such historical events, shaping public perception and influencing political strategies.
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