DP William Ruto. [Photo: The Star]
It has been established that Mt. Kenya politicians and businessmen are ready to back Deputy President William Ruto come 2022.
This comes even before the Supreme Court rules on the petitions filed against the win in the recent repeat presidential election.
A spot check by the Star Newspaper shows that efforts are underway to make sure that Ruto’s running mate in 2022 comes from the region.
It has also been established that there has been a series of meetings among all the interested parties in Mt Kenya region.
Others are of the idea that the constitution is amended to allow a primary election for a deputy president. They argue that only Ruto should be given a direct ticket but the rest should battle it out in a prior election.
What is of concern to the Mt. Kenya group is that Ruto might be looking outside the region for a running mate. They, therefore, would want to have the best offer for DP.
According to the parliament majority leader Aden Duale, there are plans for President Uhuru to endorse Ruto and after that go ahead drumming support for his 2022 election.
It is also coming forth that the formation of the next Cabinet will shape up 2022 politics. Inside sources say that the DP is very keen in carving a cabinet composition that gives him a smooth sailing towards 2022.
There is, however, a simmering rivalry among Mt. Kenya politicians. This has caused a drift, causing a formation of factions.
The first faction includes Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, and Kirinyaga.
Another bloc includes Kiambu, Murang’a Nyeri, Nyandarua, Laikipia, and Nakuru
The first group is fronting two people as their favourites; Meru senator Kithure Kindiki and Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru.
Kindidki is reportedly planning to go public soon on his willingness to become Ruto’s running mate while Waiguru enjoys an immense support from women in the region championing to have one of their own.
In Kiambu and Murang’a the possibility is blurred as there is a huge number of hopefuls. Those in the line include former Kiambu governor William Kabogo, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwa, former Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau and former presidential candidate Peter Kenneth.
The remaining region strongly believes that Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri is best paced to be Ruto’s running mate in 2022.
It is a race against time and nobody wants to be left out. The Western region, led by Ababu Nawmamba is too scheming their way into the high office.
Additional Source: The Star Kenya