Is Ruto a Philosopher King?

In the ancient Greek text "The Republic," Plato presents the idea of the "Philosopher King," a ruler who is both knowledgeable and just. This concept has continued to be debated and discussed for centuries, with many considering it a potential model for the ideal leader.

In Plato's vision, the Philosopher King is someone who possesses a deep understanding of the world and is able to use this knowledge to govern justly. This ruler is not motivated by personal gain or power, but rather by a desire to create a harmonious and fair society.

The idea of the Philosopher King has often been compared to the concept of a "benevolent dictator," with some arguing that it is necessary to have a strong, centralized leadership in order to bring about positive change. Others, however, see it as a dangerous form of elitism, with the Philosopher King holding too much power and the potential to abuse it.

When considering the concept of the Philosopher King in the context of the Kenyan political scene, it is important to recognize the complex history of the country. Kenya has a diverse population and a vibrant democracy, but it has also faced challenges such as corruption and violence.

Some potential benefits of having a Philosopher King include:

1. Just governance: A Philosopher King would be motivated by a desire to create a harmonious and fair society, rather than by personal gain or power. This could lead to more just policies and decision-making.

2. Ability to solve complex problems: The Philosopher King's deep understanding of the world would allow them to approach challenges with a more nuanced and informed perspective, potentially leading to more effective solutions.

3. Rational decision-making: The Philosopher King's knowledge and wisdom would allow them to make more rational, logical decisions, rather than being swayed by emotions or personal biases.

4. Strong, centralized leadership: Some may argue that a strong, centralized leader is necessary to bring about positive change and stability in a society. The Philosopher King's ability to lead with knowledge and justice could potentially be a transformative figure.
   

In such a context, the idea of a Philosopher King might seem appealing as a solution to these problems. A leader with a deep understanding of the issues facing the country, and a commitment to justice, could potentially be a transformative figure.

However, it is also important to consider the potential drawbacks of this model.

A Philosopher King would likely have a significant amount of power and authority, and there is the risk of this being abused. In addition, there is the question of how such a leader would be selected, and whether the process would be fair and inclusive.

Photo Courtesy of Presidential Press Service

Ultimately, the concept of the Philosopher King raises important questions about the nature of leadership and the role of knowledge in governance. While it may have some appeal as a potential solution to the challenges facing Kenya and other countries, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and drawbacks as well.

1. Abuse of power: The Philosopher King would hold a significant amount of power and authority, and there is a risk that this could be abused. Without checks and balances in place, the ruler could potentially become a tyrant.

2. Elitism: The concept of the Philosopher King is based on the idea that only those who possess a deep understanding of the world are qualified to lead. This could lead to an elitist system in which only a small group of people are considered capable of ruling, potentially excluding the majority of the population.

3. Selection process: There is the question of how a Philosopher King would be selected, and whether the process would be fair and inclusive. Plato proposed a system of meritocracy, in which rulers would be chosen based on their knowledge and wisdom, but it is unclear how this would be implemented in practice.

4. Limited perspective: The Philosopher King would likely have a narrow, intellectual perspective and may not fully understand or consider the needs and desires of the general population. This could lead to a disconnect between the ruler and the governed.

5. Inability to adapt: The Philosopher King may be resistant to change and unable to adapt to new situations or challenges, as they would be heavily invested in their own views and beliefs.

In my pursuit to figure out Ruto's style of leadership, it is clear he has the best interests of the hustler nation at heart. His boundless and ever-busy attitude to keep working will benefit Kenya in due time.