Lawyer Ahmednasir Ranks Ruto Performance At A+ After 2 Years in Office

Senior Counsel offers mixed scorecard for President’s performance, praising economic and development achievements while highlighting governance concerns

Prominent lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi has delivered a comprehensive assessment of President William Ruto’s administration after two years and eight months in office, painting a picture of significant achievements alongside concerning shortcomings in key governance areas.

The Senior Counsel, known for his candid political commentary, took to social media on Saturday to offer his evaluation of the President’s performance across various sectors.

His assessment reveals a tale of two presidencies – one excelling in economic management and development initiatives, and another struggling with fundamental governance principles.

According to Ahmednasir’s scorecard, President Ruto has demonstrated exceptional leadership in most policy areas, earning grades between B+ and A+.

The lawyer’s praise encompasses the administration’s handling of economic recovery, infrastructure development, and various other governmental functions that have marked the President’s tenure since taking office in September 2022.

However, the assessment takes a sharp turn when examining what Ahmednasir considers the administration’s most challenging areas.

The lawyer awarded significantly lower grades, ranging from D- to C-, for the government’s performance in governance structures, rule of law implementation, relationships with judicial institutions, and anti-corruption efforts.

The critique becomes particularly pointed when addressing the administration’s approach to judicial independence, specifically mentioning concerns about the treatment of what he refers to as “JurisPESA judges.”

This reference appears to relate to ongoing tensions between the executive and certain judicial officers, reflecting broader concerns about the separation of powers under the current administration.

Despite these harsh grades in specific areas, Ahmednasir acknowledged the President’s commitment to improvement, noting that Ruto is “working very hard on these low grades, day and night.”

The lawyer went further, revealing his personal involvement in supporting the President’s efforts to address these deficiencies, particularly in matters relating to judicial reforms.

This mixed evaluation comes at a critical juncture for the Ruto administration as it approaches the halfway mark of its first term.

The President has outlined ambitious economic plans for 2025, with expectations of increased investment and manufacturing sector expansion that could validate some of the positive grades in Ahmednasir’s assessment.

Recent economic indicators suggest a complex picture that aligns with the lawyer’s nuanced evaluation.

Growth projections for 2025 stand at 5-5.5%, while consumer spending power has reportedly increased by 24% compared to pre-pandemic levels.

These figures may explain the high marks Ahmednasir awarded for economic performance, even as governance concerns persist.

The assessment carries particular weight given Ahmednasir’s prominence in Kenya’s legal and political circles.

The Senior Counsel has maintained a complex relationship with various administrations, often serving as both supporter and critic depending on government actions.

His willingness to praise achievements while sharply criticizing failures reflects the kind of independent analysis that political observers value.

The timing of this evaluation is also significant as political commentators and the public begin looking ahead to the 2027 elections.

Performance assessments like Ahmednasir’s often serve as early indicators of how key influencers view an administration’s trajectory and electoral prospects.

The areas identified for improvement in Ahmednasir’s scorecard – governance, rule of law, judicial independence, and anti-corruption efforts – represent some of the most fundamental aspects of democratic governance.

These concerns echo broader public discourse about the administration’s approach to institutional independence and accountability mechanisms.

As the Ruto administration continues into its third year, the challenge will be addressing these governance concerns while maintaining the momentum in areas where it has performed well.

The lawyer’s assessment suggests that while the government has succeeded in many policy areas, its legacy may ultimately be determined by how it handles the fundamental questions of democratic governance and institutional respect.