Ruto back to the skies, car sunroofs as political temperatures cool

After two months of ceased flights abroad and minimal trips locally, President William Ruto is back to his median of standing atop car rooftops and globetrotting.

Ruto's incessant trips were thrown into the abyss after public clamour and protests that started on June 18, 2024, after the government proposed unbearable taxes through the now-withdrawn Finance Bill 2024.

At the time, Ruto's constant trips were also part of the grievances floated by the protesting youths who lamented the mass wastage of public resources.

Amid the unrest, Ruto quietly and carefully stepped out to assess a few government projects and then dashed back to the House on the hill in a similar fashion he stepped out.

Members of the political class and Ruto's handlers were also cautious about addressing the public in churches, where they had grown fond of expressing their political theories.

After the tensions quelled, Ruto toured Nakuru county on July 15 to commission and inspect a myriad of facilities according to his itinerary.

It was after laying the foundation stone for the construction of Keringet fresh produce market in Kuresoi South Constituency that he addressed the thronged crowd, regaining balance on upholding his political rhetoric that knows very few bounds.

He then popped out of his car's roof on July 25 when he visited Tharaka Nithi County and addressed a roadside rally. Atop the guzzler, he defended his move of reinstating several Cabinet Secretaries into his fresh Cabinet. 

Now back on track from his sojourn in State House, Ruto popped out of his car's roof in Kilifi County on July 26, Kwale County on July 27, Murang'a County on August 9 and Kirinyaga County on August 10.

The Presidential jet also roared on August 11 where Ruto was airborne for a few hours as he headed to Rwanda to attend the inauguration of President Paul Kagame, marking an extension of his lengthy term.

He however jetted back to Kenya soon after, seemingly remaining punctilious not to bruise the throbbing wound that has stung the nation he seeks to make amends with.

Speaking in Sagana on Saturday, the Head of State cited the unity agenda as displayed in the broad-based government as a key pillar to growing the country without further division.

He defended the move to appoint opposition leaders in his Cabinet, arguing that his focus was to ensure the country speaks and acts in one way.