William Ruto’s Gamble with Security: A Dangerous Game That Could Backfire
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By Dr. Isaac Newton Kinity
Recent developments in Kenya have raised serious concerns, not only for the security of Kenyans but also for foreign nationals residing in the country, especially Americans.
President William Ruto’s decision to exempt individuals in North Eastern Kenya from the mandatory vetting process to obtain national identification cards is not just a risky move, it is a dangerous gamble that could have far-reaching consequences.
The North Eastern region borders Somalia, a country that has long been a hotbed for Al-Shabaab terrorists.
By lifting the ID vetting process, Ruto has effectively opened a corridor that could be exploited by extremists to move freely into Kenya.
This decision comes suspiciously close to another major development , the withdrawal of US aid to Kenya by President Donald Trump.
It is not far-fetched to consider that Ruto’s move might be a calculated strategy to create a false sense of insecurity, only to use it as leverage to push for the reinstatement of US financial support.
The possibility that he could be allowing security vulnerabilities to fester, hoping to pressure the United States into restoring aid under the guise of combating terrorism, cannot be ruled out.
However, this strategy, if indeed it is a ploy, is not only reckless but also potentially catastrophic.
The United States is not a nation to be manipulated by threats or blackmail.
History has shown that the US takes the security of its nationals very seriously, and any attacks targeting American citizens or embassies abroad are met with swift and decisive action.
Ruto should tread carefully. If the removal of vetting allows Al-Shabaab militants easier entry into Kenya and an attack against US nationals or the embassy in Nairobi were to occur, the consequences could be dire not just for Ruto’s administration but for the entire country.
The US government does not negotiate with terrorists, nor does it respond kindly to leaders who seem to toy with national security for political or financial gain.
What Ruto fails to grasp is that true leadership means protecting the sovereignty and security of one’s nation without resorting to manipulative tactics.
It means forging diplomatic relationships based on trust, transparency, and mutual respect not by creating artificial crises to force a superpower’s hand.
Kenya’s fight against terrorism should not be a bargaining chip in its dealings with the United States. It is a matter of national and global security.
Ruto must realize that inviting danger in hopes of reaping financial benefits is a shortsighted and dangerous game.
The world is watching. The US is watching. Any harm inflicted on American nationals as a result of this decision will not be taken lightly.
For the sake of Kenya’s future, I urge President Ruto to reconsider his stance before it’s too late.
Dr. Isaac Newton Kinity is a human rights activist and a vocal advocate for good governance.
With a knack for captivating storytelling, Amos Lumbasi has a talent for crafting narratives that resonate with readers. He combines meticulous research with a captivating writing style to create articles that are both informative and enjoyable to read.
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