From Love to Loathing: Miguna Miguna Turns Fire on Ruto, Ending Political 'Honeymoon'

The whirlwind romance between Kenyan lawyer and political firebrand Miguna Miguna and President William Ruto appears to have hit a dramatic, public wall. After two years of vocal support and even flirting with the possibility of joining Ruto's administration, Miguna has unleashed a volley of scathing criticism, turning his once-ardent praise into biting barbs.

The shift became crystal clear in a recent series of fiery social media posts and pronouncements. Accusing Ruto of betraying the ideals of the "hustler nation" campaign that propelled him to victory, Miguna attacked the perceived "elite capture" of the government and the rising cost of living.

"Ruto and his cronies have abandoned the revolution they promised," Miguna wrote in a blistering Facebook post. "They are now dining with the same 'deep state' they claimed to fight, while ordinary Kenyans suffer under the weight of their broken promises."

This newfound antagonism stands in stark contrast to the warm words Miguna showered upon Ruto during the 2022 election campaign. Back then, the exiled lawyer, who had been barred from returning to Kenya for years, enthusiastically endorsed Ruto, even offering to serve as his Attorney General.

Their bromance even extended beyond the campaign. Ruto facilitated Miguna's dramatic return to Kenya in May 2023, after years of legal battles and diplomatic wrangling. Miguna's homecoming drew raucous crowds and cemented the perception of a powerful political alliance in the making.

However, cracks began to appear soon after. Miguna's outspoken nature and critique of certain government policies clashed with Ruto's vision for his administration. The initial honeymoon phase gave way to simmering tensions, fueled by seemingly differing political priorities.

Analysts see this latest spat as a sign of Miguna's inherent independence and unwillingness to compromise his core beliefs. They point to his history of criticizing past administrations, regardless of political affiliation, as evidence of his unyielding principles.

"Miguna has never been one to shy away from speaking truth to power," political analyst John Njoroge noted. "His support for Ruto was conditional, based on shared ideals. Now, seeing those ideals betrayed, he has no qualms about voicing his disappointment."

The question now is how this rupture will impact the broader political landscape. Analysts believe it could potentially weaken Ruto's support base, particularly among those who were drawn to his populist message and identified with Miguna's outsider status.

For Miguna, the break signals a return to the familiar role of vocal opposition. His sharp tongue and unflinching criticism are likely to make him a thorn in Ruto's side, keeping the pressure on the government and providing a platform for dissent.

Whether this renewed antagonism blossoms into a full-blown political rivalry or fizzles out as a temporary squabble remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the love story between Miguna Miguna and William Ruto has ended, leaving behind a bitter residue of betrayal and a potent brew of political tension that promises to keep Kenyan politics spicy for the foreseeable future.