Lawyer Willis Otieno has raised questions about the role of Luo leaders in President William Ruto’s broad-based government, suggesting their appointments serve more as political symbolism than actual decision-making power.
Otieno shared his perspective on X, drawing comparisons with the early post-independence era when Luos held significant influence in national governance.
Otieno noted that during President Jomo Kenyatta’s administration, Luo politicians were central to shaping policy and held senior cabinet positions.
In contrast, he argued, the current setup under Ruto reduces them to what he described as “photo props,” implying limited substantive authority.
State House has previously defended the broad-based approach, emphasizing representation across communities rather than focusing solely on political loyalty.
Historically, the Luo community has played an influential role in Kenya’s executive branch, producing vice presidents, cabinet ministers, and other senior officials, especially during the formative years of independence.
Shifts in party politics and regional alliances over subsequent decades have affected the prominence of Luo leaders in central government.
Otieno’s post did not single out individual officials but highlighted a perceived decline in the political clout of Luo figures within Ruto’s administration.
“From power brokers to photo props… that’s the tragedy of Ruto’s politics,” he wrote, adding that history will judge both those who crafted the current system and those who participated in it.
The discussion over meaningful representation is likely to continue as Kenyans evaluate the impact of appointments versus actual influence in policy-making.