If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or politician ignore these takeaways at your peril. They rolled Dr. William Sameoi Ruto to the presidency.
- Put God first – President-elect, Dr. Ruto has never shied away from professing his Christian faith in public. He spoke of it very often and quote Bible verses whenever possible. He believed in God’s supremacy and ends at all times. He knew he can’t go wrong with God. So, he prayed and related with preachers and helped them where possible. In return, they prayed for him and invoked God’s name and blessings. He attended church without fail.
- Put forward a clear agenda – Knowing that Kenyans were hurting and were facing economic problems; the cost of living was rising unaffectedly. He came clear with a message, first, he identified a problem. Second, he defined who was suffering the most. It was the common man and woman. So, he addressed it with a message thus attracting them. He used economic revival as his primary message to the populace. He called it – Bottom-up economic model – hustler was his slogan. And it paid off.
- Prepare in advance, work hard and spend money – There is doubt that a president-elect is a hard-working man and a man who shares what he has. Good health and age were also on his side. He worked very hard. He works many hours and traveled across Kenya. Met people and spent time with them. As a result, they loved him back and voted for him.
- Be consistent – I have never seen a man consistent like Dr. Ruto. Since he joined politics he has remained consistent and clear about what he wanted and worked toward attending it. He was courageous and ready to die for what he believed in and it work for him.
- Have a mastery of language and issues – There is no doubt that Dr. Ruto was a master of the issues he sold to the masses. He articulated them very well and people easily related to his message and got a buy-in. He was so eloquent, articulate, and profound. A great orator, indeed. Even though those who opposed him folded up their parties and joined him
- Address a pain or a problem – Dr. Ruto was fully aware of what was paining people especially, the Boda guys and the mama mboga. He defined the problem and it was easy for him to prescribe the solution and the message to sell his agenda. He sold it without difficulties.
- Put together a team of warriors – There is no doubt that Dr. Ruto assembled a great team of campaigners who repeatedly conveyed the same message he was conveying. He connected with them and always stood out as a leader providing leadership.
- Have money – I have often written that money is a great facilitator and it gives one option. Dr. Ruto knew many years back that democracy isn’t cheap and words alone don’t work. So, he worked very hard. He founded businesses and invested in asset-generating activities. That is why his campaign was heavily financed and that paid off for him and his team.
- Be social and share what you have – Again there is no doubt, that Dr. Ruto is a great giver judging by several events he is invited to across the country. We saw his contribution to Boda boda groups and small businesses. We saw his contribution to businesses and harambees. You can’t go wrong with sharing even the Bible attests to that spirit of giving. They say what you give to return to you 100 folds.
- Marry a prayerful wife – They say behind a strong man is a prayerful woman. Madam Racheal Ruto is that woman. She is simple but strong in prayers.
In conclusion, none of these takeaways or lessons work independently they need to be integrated for one to benefit from them.
