A section of Deputy President Dr William Ruto’s Tanga Tanga team members have finally proposed a running mate for him.
Some of the MPs allied to Ruto from Mt Kenya are now saying that National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has what it takes to be Ruto’s running mate in 2022 polls.
They say Ruto can only be assured of full support from the region if he lands on Muturi.
Muturi, according to them, has not been implicated in any corruption and has a wealth of experience gained in public service for many years.
The MPs were speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony for Manyatta MP John Muchiri.
Mbeere North MP Muriuki Njagagua said Speaker Muturi would be ahead of the pack of those eyeing the No 2 slot in Ruto’s presidential bid. Ruto attended the function.
Njagagua was supported by Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungw’a, who noted that Embu county has faithfully supported past regimes and should be considered for the running mate position.
“Embu county residents cannot be taken for granted. They supported Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, [Daniel] Moi and [Mwai] Kibaki’s regimes and overwhelmingly voted for the Jubilee government. What Embu people will decide is what we shall go by,” Ichungw’a said.
Tharaka Nithi MP Murugara Gitonga said he will speak to Senator Kithure Kindiki who is also eyeing the No 2 position, to allow Muturi to be Ruto’s running mate.
Nominated MP Cecily Mbarire noted that 2022 is the time for Mt Kenya to reward Ruto for supporting President Uhuru Kenyatta for two terms. In response to the MPs’ proposal, Ruto said Jubilee Party will decide who will be the flagbearer for every seat when the time comes.
The DP agreed that Muturi has a wealth of experience as he was the Chief Whip when they were the leaders of the opposition and urged the lawmakers to support him fully to work for the people of Kenya as Speaker in the remaining years.