United Democratic Alliance

Palace Intrigues
William Ruto, Florentino Pérez, Ibrahim Magassa

Intrigues big and small: every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

KenyaWilliam Ruto's two-pronged crusade against alcohol and drugs

Ivory CoastIvorian banker Ibrahim Magassa teams up with Real Madrid's Florentino Pérez

KenyaKikuyu Elders' particularly political New Year's Eve

Kenya
Following Raila Odinga's death, his party tries to avert implosion

The leadership of the Orange Democratic Movement is set to mull proposals aimed at easing tensions between its various factions. President William Ruto's interest in Kenya's second largest political party, however, is only accentuating the differences.

Kenya
Ruto looks to bring onside rising star in west George Natembeya

The by-elections sped up the rise of the governor of Trans-Nzoia county. Seeking out new electors since the death of his ally Raila Odinga, the head of state is keen to secure the support of this opponent and is even willing to offer him a place in the front row for the forthcoming presidential campaign.

Kenya
Influx of foreign nationals fuels suspicion ahead of polls

The opposition accuses William Ruto of importing potential new voters from neighbouring countries. The president's appointment of a close ally to the immigration portfolio is raising tension in central Kenya.

Kenya
$350m contract awarded to Ruto allies under investigation

The amount and length of the negotiated contract and the closeness of certain shareholders to the head of state have raised eyebrows. Hearings with senior government figures have been planned by the anticorruption agency while parliament also intends to look at the issue.

Kenya
William Ruto criss-crosses the country in advance of crucial by-elections

The 20 or so local elections and by-elections are a full-scale test for the government, which has been plagued by demonstrations for over a year.

Kenya
Ruto attempts to avert implosion in Odinga camp

An influential faction of the Orange Democratic Movement is threatening to secede if the party continues its government agreement with the head of state. The president has asked his former rival to rein in his troops to avoid weakening an already faltering presidential coalition.

Kenya
Promise after promise, Ruto eats into Odinga's home support

Making great use of country tours and announcements, the president is, one by one, rallying senior politicians in the Nyanza province, home of former rival Raila Odinga, whose party, riddled by internal divisions, has been suffering the exodus of its members since the signing of a government agreement.

Kenya
Ruto's daughter takes centre stage in youth charm offensive

Charlene Ruto is making inroads on university campuses to promote her father's policies – but faces headwinds from rival youth leaders.

Kenya
Ruto struggles to forge new alliances ahead of next presidential election

Now halfway through his first term, the Kenyan president is already looking ahead to his bid for re-election in 2027. He is hoping to rally to his cause political heavyweights from the west of the country, but so far they have proved resistant to his overtures.