Deputy President William Ruto’s 2022 Presidential ambitions under the Jubilee ticket has been dealt with another major setback after reports emerged that rebel group Kieleweke is now rooting for a Jubilee, ODM merger ahead of 2022.
The Kieleweke movement led by legislators Maina Kamanda, Nduati Ngugi and former Member of Parliament Kabando wa Kabando are pushing for unity between Raila-led party, ODM and President Kenyatta’s Jubilee in a move that will scuttle Ruto’s ambition of succeeding Kenyatta.
The outcome of the proposed move is yet unclear given that President Kenyatta had disclosed he will retire when his term expires in 2022. Odinga also has not expressed his interest in the State House race.
“I’m not interested in serving another term. I will not take up the chance even if everyone wanted me to,” said Kenyatta in an interview with CNN last year.
There have been calls to change the Constitution to accommodate Mr. Kenyatta on the ground that he is young to retire. Ruto could find himself in the cold if the new outfit becomes a reality and his allies have vowed not to bow out of the party.
Since its formation, Kieleweke team has been so vocal against the Deputy President. In a motive move aimed at taming William Ruto, Kieleweke said their group was aimed at drumming up support for the war against corruption and push for a referendum to boost cohesion in the country.
Mr Kamanda claimed that most of the money attained through graft was being kept in sacks inside some politician’s homes and suggested to churches to stop taking cash but insist on cheques.
Tanga tanga on the other end is hell bend in fighting for William Ruto. “We are a key plank in Jubilee having folded the United Republican Party alongside The National Alliance party and others to form a coalition with a clear development agenda and succession plan which we have no intention of abandoning,” said legislator Nelson Koech, Ruto’s ally.
The United Republican Party (URP) of Ruto and Uhuru-led The National Alliance were dissolved ahead of 2017 polls to form Jubilee party. The party has been in its worst state since the famous handshake between the President and the opposition Chief.
The rift in the outfit is widening day and night. Two factions have emerged, the anti-handshake group and the pro-handshake. The party’s ability to hold together until 2022 is a matter of doubt.
A group of the deputy president’s supporters had hinted a possibility of reviving URP should Jubilee party fail to give him a ticket to vie for President.
Ruto has continuously attacked the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga accusing him of planning to kick him out of Jubilee, allegation President Kenyatta has rubbished. Despite mounting pressure from Tanga tanga side, Uhuru has not yet responded to their heeds of wanting him to declare his stand whether he still supports Ruto or not.
The head of state has been so quiet since he came back to the country from China were together with opposition leader Raila Odinga failed to secure China’s loan for the SGR.