As the 2022 race to the house on top of the hill hots up, Deputy President William Ruto’s Central Kenya team of legislators are taking nothing to chance.
Despite warnings against early campaigns by President Kenyatta, Ruto’s team are making good use of the saying “tomorrow’s journey starts today” The team was on Sunday standing shoulder to shoulder with Ruto, promising to deliver the regions vote in 2022.
Just three days after President Uhuru Kenyatta made changes in government in what some saw as a move to curtail Mr. Ruto’s advance in Mt Kenya, the DP was still roaring in the region.
The legislators, who had congregated at Kigari Teachers Training college for the thanksgiving ceremony of Manyatta MP, John Muchiri, urged the DP to go for the top seat, telling him that they are behind him.
One notable presence was that of National Assembly speaker, Justin Muturi, who is from the area.
Those who endorsed the DP included area legislators Njeru Ndwiga (Senator, Embu), Jane Wanjuki (woman rep), Eric Muchangi (Runyenjes), Geoffrey King’angi (Mbeere South) and Muriuki Njagua (Mbeere North).
Another notable presence in yesterday’s team was Cecily Mbarire, a nominated MP who is a staunch and longtime ally of President Kenyatta.
Ms. Mbarire asked the DP to choose a running mate from the area.
“We urge you to consider one of our own as your running mate,” she told Ruto. The Meru contingent included George Manyara (Tharaka Nithi) and Mpuri Aburi (EALA).
Nyeri, Murang’a and Kiambu were also represented, by Gichohi Mwangi (Nyeri), Alice Wahome (Kandara), and Kimani Ichungwah (Kikuyu). Mr. Muturi asked the church to accept donations and ignore those who are urging them to reject money offered by worshippers.
The DP also appeared to endorse Speaker Muturi for the Embu governorship in 2022 when Nyaga Wambora’s second term ends.
Mr. Ruto’s endorsement comes two days after his boss, president Kenyatta dished out jobs in a manner that heavily favoured the region and more so targeting Ruto’s allies from the region.
According to some observers, the move was meant to discourage leaders from the region who have been marketing the DP.