Nairobi, April 14 -- President William Ruto's grand plan for some Kenya Kwanza affiliate parties to fold up and also the push to have a provision for three deputy party leaders in the UDA constitution appear to mirror political manoeuvres previously used to cut influential individuals down to size, settle scores, reward allies and create multiple centres of power.

When former President Daniel arap Moi of Kanu entered a pact with Raila Odinga's National Development Party (NDP) in 2002, then Vice-President Professor George Saitoti was a major casualty.

He was dropped as the Kanu vice-chairperson and his slot taken over by four vice-chairmen. Both Moi and Saitoti are deceased.

Kenya's first Vice President Jaramogi Odinga Odinga suffered a...