President Ruto’s government has in the last two years poured massive state resources in Kuria.
The Kuria have been staunch Ruto backers, electing their two MPs on URP, then Jubilee (when the two parties merged) and decamped to UDA.
The incident in Kuria has nothing to do with President Ruto’s development record in that region.
I see it as the usual “anti-Luo mischief”, where some communities bolt out when Luos get included.
The Luo community has been hospitable to the Kuria, with whom we share an ethnic borderline, and, whom, despite their minority status in Migori; have always enjoyed a huge stake and share in Migori County government, as well as historically getting nominations by the ODM Party.
I have told you time without number that “Luo exlusion” is a sport most of our neighbours love.
They believe they can only benefit from the state if the Luo are out.
The Kuria also have another ‘challenge’. In 2007 they became a safe haven to the fleeing Kikuyus, with Kibaki regime doubling government development in the Kuria region, thanks to the late Dr. Wilfred Machage, who was also rewarded by being appointed to full minister under GCG.
This sizable Kikuyu settlers have always tilted Kuria politics largely on account of voting anti-ODM candidates and forcing Kuria leaders to always side with the mainstream pro-Kikuyu formations.
It is still early to tell who exactly threw the shoes but my crystal ball tells me Kuria will abandon Ruto…wako njiani kuelekea wamunyoro…not for any serious reason, but for the fact that the Kuria have been made to believe that they can only thrive when the Luo are isolated, condemned in opposition.
Be that as it may, violence targeting the head of state is wrong.
Nations have collapsed simply by such tactless lawless acts.
The other reason to condemn what happened in Kuria is because those leaders perpetrating such lawless acts soon find themselves as victims.
So, whether John Kamau or John Marwa, whoever threw that shoe should exit 254, for the long arm of the law will sure move swiftly to restore law and order.
