More than 20 MPs from Central, Kisii and Western Kenya have vowed to back Deputy President William Ruto for the Presidency in 2022.
They spoke during the
Idakho’s
Bullfighting Cultural Festival at Malinya Stadium in Ikolomani, Kakamega, on Monday. DP Ruto attended the event.
The leaders said Dr Ruto is well placed to take over leadership when President Uhuru Kenyatta’s term ends in 2022.
Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali said the Luhya have learnt from past mistakes. He said they supported candidates who lost and ended up in the opposition.
South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osore
said the Abagusii have resolved to support the Deputy President.
MPs from Central Kenya dismissed recent utterances by Jubilee Vice chairman David Murathe that there was no political pact between the President and the DP.
They promised to ensure the region supports Ruto because he was loyal to Uhuru.
“What we know is we have an agreement that President Kenyatta is supported for 10 years from 2013 to 2022, then the Deputy President is supported for another 10 years,” Tetu MP
James Mwangi said.
"We want to assure Kenyans that we are not going to betray our brother William Ruto who has firmly stood with the President in the last two elections."
Kiharu MP Dindi Nyoro said it is wrong for some leaders to issue baseless statements. He told Murathe to stop poking his nose on matters he is not conversant with.
"We should not be bothered by individuals who cannot even be elected as members of the Nyumba Kumi Initiative," said Nyoro.
Ruto asked leaders to focus on development and said the time for political competition is over.
He, however, said Kenya’s leadership is not based on who owes what debt to who but honesty and integrity.
"We must be measured by integrity, honest and hard work," Ruto said.
He said leaders should shun tribalism and join political parties with a national outlook.
"For our country to be peaceful and united, we must support parties with a national outlook and exercise democratic ideals by accepting the outcome of election results," he said.
Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwa said when the time comes, they will campaign Ruto to be the next President
“Kenyans are clever people who will not be misled anymore to elect leaders who are not development conscious. The DP is now busy with matters of development and Kenyans will not forget him come 2022,” Ichungwa said.
He said Ruto is facing resistance from certain people who did the same to retired President Daniel Moi when he was the Vice President to Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. However, Moi became President for 24 years.
"Some individuals are now doing the same for Ruto, but Kenyans will elect him the fifth President," Ichungwa said.
He told ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi to stop dreaming of getting support from the Kikuyu.
"You better be cheated once but not twice," Ichungwa told Mudavadi.
Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri assured the DP of Central Kenya's support.
"We are together in this journey. We can’t forget where we came from, where we are and where we are going,” he said.
Elgeyo Marakwet senator Murkomen asked leaders to desist from tribal politics, saying it undermined efforts to attain democracy.
"I'm sure the next election will be a defining moment. Leaders will be elected not because of their tribal, political and religious backgrounds, but their characters and development record," he said.
The DP rewarded winners of the bullfighting competition with 10 Sh2 million dairy cows.
Ruto later met 800 members Knut Kakamega branch members at Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali's home. Later, he met 500 pastors at the home of Lurambi MP Rev Titus Khamala.
Other leaders who accompanied the DP are Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), Antony Kiai (Mukurweini), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira), Jane Kihara (Naivasha), Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), Justus Murunga (Matungu) Mwambu Mabonga (Bumula) and John Waluke (Sirisia).
Trans Nzoia Woman representative Janet Nangabo, Samuel Kinuthia (Subukia), Kwenya Thuku (Kinangop), James Gakuya (Embakasi), Alpha Miruka (Bomachoge Chache), Caleb Kositany (Soy) and former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale were also present.