Battle for Ruto running mate threatens to split Hustler team

Deputy President William Ruto’s choice of running mate is increasingly seen as a decision that could make or break his 2022 presidential bid.

In the recent weeks, activities have intensified in hustler zones as politicians seek to impress the DP with their ability to help him succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in the August 2022 General Election.

The DP has increased his forays in what observers believe is window-shopping for a running mate from Western or Mt Kenya region.

Despite having a long list to choose from, the Deputy President is on the horns of a dilemma — torn between retaining President Kenyatta’s Mt Kenya base and appeasing other regions with the coveted DP position. The holder of the Number Two position can shower benefits on his region and others. 

Ruto also has a Coast headache. Last week, during a three-day Kilifi meeting, regional leaders insisted that he considers one of their own.

At the Coast, Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi and his Kwale counterpart Salim Muvrya are being touted as possible running mates.

There are also fears that if Ruto faces Mt Kenya for a running mate to inherit the vote-rich bloc, he could be exposed to the danger of rebellion as a result of the “two communities in the presidency” narrative.

Ruto’s point man in Kisii and South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro said taking a running mate from Central would be counterproductive and open a major crack in the hustler movement.

“It is like an exchange of two top leadership positions from one community to another. William Ruto from the Kalenjin community picks a running mate from Central Kenya just like Uhuru picked him from the Rift Valley. What then happens to us as Kisiis and to other people?” Osoro asked.

He added, “In fact, if we even go there and discuss the running mate, then we are going to have a deeper crack than we do already because some of us will not accept a discussion to have a running mate from Central Kenya. We are hell bent on that [opposition].”

Osoro, who was elected on the little-known Kenya National Congress ticket, said it is time someone from Kisii is considered for the high and demanding DP position. He said Kisiis have proved themselves in leadership positions, including in leading the Judiciary. He referred to retired Chief Justice David Maraga. 

“If we start discussing a running mate coming from Central, it will require about 20 hours convincing me why it must be Central," he said.

“If I were to advise the DP, I will not blink an eye by saying Kisii politics is local. We had been the leaders of Judiciary and you will agree with me we performed very well. If we can’t get that position, then we should be given a top-ranking position like National Assembly speaker."

"Not Central for now – at least – for purposes of having every region feel they are getting close to the Executive.”

Mwala MP Vincent Musau — another Ruto man in Ukambani — said the choice of running mate has a bearing on Ruto's performance in the presidential contest.

“We are not interested in a particular individual but a coalition that is going to show some sort of nationalism and at the same time bring votes. In the discussion we have had, we want to be very careful about who is going to be the running mate.

"That running mate is the key to Ruto's presidency," Musau told the Star in a phone interview.

He insisted Uhuru’s Central backyard is a critical cog in the country politics that should not be ignored in the 2022 mathematics.

“I don’t make decisions for the whole of Tangatanga but staying away from Central and Mt Kenya in general for DP might have consequences,” he said.

“Mt Kenya cannot be ignored to the extent that we do not want them to have a key, significant role in the next government. If I were the one, in a situation without BBI, I would consider Mt Kenya, then probably the rest of us. There is a lot to share in government."

Ruto has embarked on frenetic countrywide tours called public-driven manifesto writing. They have attracted regional politicians seeking to play a major role.

Politicians whose names pop up whenever the DP’s 2022 pairing is mentioned include Tharaka Nithi Senator Kindiki Kithure, former Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri, Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria and the new entrants – outgoing Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi.

Political analyst Daniel Orogo said jostling to be Ruto's running mate could be a factor splitting the hustler movement and causing internal conflicts. There are competing interests and a tough balancing act will be required.

“Going by the aftermath of the just concluded by-elections in Rurii ward, Juja and Bonchari, we can conclude that jostling within the UDA party is informed by a high appetite for Central Kenya," he said.

Unlike other MPs from Mt Kenya, Kuria has his own political party, which could be useful or could cause problems.

“Kuria is also considered an irritant to colleagues such as Irungu Kangata, Alice Wahome, Rigathi Kachagwa, Kimani Ichung'wah, Susan Kihika,  Ngunjiri Wambugu and the rest . They are also in a political courtship to become Ruto's running mate”.