1st Law of the 48 Rules of Power: Never Outshine the Master – In Robert Greene’s seminal work, The 48 Laws of Power, the first and perhaps most critical rule is clear: Never Outshine the Master. It’s a timeless lesson rooted in the power dynamics of leadership and authority, warning against eclipsing those above you. In politics, the consequences of disregarding this rule can be monumental and mostly self defeating. The temptation to overstep, to draw attention to oneself or to assert independence can quickly bring down even the strongest alliances, especially within a complex system of governance. Kenyan politics is no exception.
As Kenya’s political landscape shifts, this principle looms large over the evolving tension between President William Ruto and impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. A once harmonious partnership that looked set to deliver on the Bottom-Up economic model, has shown visible cracks, suggesting that the latter has perhaps strayed too far from the shadows, outshining the president. The implications were what me and you are seeing happening in the political space currently, a quick impeachment process to outster Rigathi Gachagua, which happened in just 3 days.
“Murima” Politics
One of the most glaring signals of this growing rift could be seen in the Deputy President’s recent shift toward ethnic-based rhetoric, in particular, the “shareholder” approach he advocates, suggested that the Mt. Kenya region holds a greater stake in national resources and governance. Such sentiments present an ethnocentric view that undermines the very principles of unity and inclusivity that a deputy must uphold to maintain national cohesion.
By leaning into these divisive narratives, the Deputy appears to have misjudged his political standing, failing to appreciate that such rhetoric isolates key segments of Kenya’s multi-ethnic population. His infamous “usiguze murima” (“do not touch the mountain”) remark is seen as a veiled warning to the rest of the nation not to question the dominance of his political base. However, such statements can bring about a dangerous sense of invincibility, a perception that power within the Mt. Kenya bloc is untouchable. This, in turn, risks intensifying ethnic tensions—a volatile gamble in a country with a history of political violence and fractures along tribal lines.
In the grand scheme of power politics, this echoes Greene’s principle about hierarchy: even if you have amassed considerable power and influence, you must never provoke unnecessary confrontation or appear to challenge the sovereignty of those above you. Rigathi’s increasing reliance on ethnic pride as a political tool has set the stage for the widening distance between him and President Ruto. Instead of strengthening his position, it has ignited a slow burn of political backlash, with a growing number of leaders and citizens wary of his motives.
Loose Tongue
Beyond ethnic tensions, another miscalculation has emerged in Gachagua’s handling of delicate state matters. His penchant for public criticism, particularly targeting senior figures like NIS boss Noordin Haji, exposed a lack of political tact. By calling out Haji over police conduct during youth protests, Rigathi Gachagua, publicly undermined a key arm of the state. This not only jeopardizes the internal cohesion of the government but signals to the public a potential rift in national security management. In politics, as in war, airing grievances against your own generals is often seen as a sign of weakness and discord.
Moreover, Gachagua’s claim that President Ruto has stopped listening to him revealed a deeper issue of loyalty and trust. Publicly voicing frustrations with the head of state is a high-stakes move, often leading to political isolation. Such actions are reminiscent of those who forget their place in the power hierarchy, where the consequences of openly challenging the “master” are swift and often brutal.
Political tact demands balance, especially when holding office as high as Deputy President. While the temptation to assert one’s independence may be strong, doing so without respecting the existing structures of power is a dangerous game. Loose tongues may win short-term applause but often cost long-term loyalty—a currency far more valuable in the corridors of power.
Failure to Learn from Previous DPs
Kenyan political history offers several examples of deputy presidents who mastered the art of knowing their place in the political hierarchy. Joseph Murumbi, serving under Jomo Kenyatta, is perhaps the best example. Murumbi understood that his role required him to support the president while maintaining a low profile, ensuring stability at all times. His diplomatic approach, even when Kenyatta was at his most authoritarian, earned him respect and preserved his legacy.
Similarly, Moody Awori, Vice President during Mwai Kibaki’s presidency, gained national admiration for his role in pushing social welfare reforms. He recognized that his success was tied to Kibaki’s and he worked diligently to ensure a seamless relationship. Awori’s legacy is one of collaboration, humility and understanding the limits of his office—qualities that earned him both national respect and political longevity.
By contrast, the impeached Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, appears to have misunderstood the lessons of his predecessors. His need to assert dominance, both within his ethnic bloc and in the wider political landscape, has alienated him from the very office he serves. In Kenyan politics, deputies are expected to quietly maneuver behind the scenes, not dominate the front lines. The price of disregarding this unwritten rule has historically been political exile.
My Prayer
As Rigathi Gachagua prepares for a legal battle to contest his potential ouster, the weight of these lessons should not be ignored. His political survival now rests on whether he can recalibrate his approach, returning to a more supportive and diplomatic stance. The court, an institution he once criticized, now holds his political future in its hands—a twist of fate that should prompt introspection.
Political history has a way of repeating itself. If there is one lesson to be drawn from Kenya’s past, it is this: power is fickle, and those who ride its waves must tread carefully. The wise proverb, “He who rides a tiger is afraid to dismount,” serves as a timely reminder. In these uncertain times, the Deputy will need all the wisdom, humility and luck he can muster to weather the storm.