Speculations as Ruto graces Malala's tournament in Mumias

Deputy President William Ruto on Friday attended a football tournament organised by Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala at Mumias Sports Complex, Kakamega County.

The arrival of the DP happened shortly after the Azimio La Magaharibi rally held at Bukhungu stadium came to an end.

The rally saw the ODM leader Raila Odinga endorsed for the presidency and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya crowned the region's new political kingpin.

DP Ruto, who was from another sports tournament in Sirisia Constituency, Bungoma County, was welcomed by Senator Malala and former Sports CS Rashid Echesa.

His arrival came hours after Malala addressed a press briefing saying the ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi is free to work with either Raila or Ruto.

Malala faulted the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) for dilly-dallying in announcing their presidential candidate despite them issuing a deadline.

"We told them by December 25 they should have given us a Presidential candidate. The deadline has elapsed.

"As a community, we have now given our leaders Musalia Mudavadi and Wetangula the green light to go and choose leaders they are willing to work with. If they say it is Raila let them tell us what is our stake? If it is Ruto, same questions," he said.

The DP's attendance fuels political undertones in OKA given that Senator Malala has been previously accused of being Ruto's mole in the outfit.

It also raises eyebrows given that OKA leaders, who were reportedly expected at the event, failed to show up by the time of going to press.

Mudavadi, who Malala has been supporting for the presidency, was conspicuously missing despite being reported that he was to be the guest of honour.

Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetangula who was also alleged to be among the leaders who were to grace the football event was engaged in different activities.

"Today (Friday) I am meeting Ford Kenya Officials and party candidates in Trans Nzoia to plan for 2022. Thereafter I will attend end year boat racing at number beach in Bwiri ward, Busia," Wetangula tweeted.