Ruto eyes Meru for 2012 running mate

Photo/FILE
Eldoret North MP William Ruto addresses a crowd during a rally in Bomet.

Suspended Higher Education minister William Ruto says he is considering a politician from Meru or Coast region to be his running mate in his 2012 presidential bid.

He said he was confident that he had strong support in the regions and his chances of succeeding President Kibaki would get a major boost if he had a running mate from any of the areas.

“I am here to look for partners. I will give the Meru community top priority when shopping for my running mate and then later the Coast Province. Meru people are very democratic and always stick together after making a decision,” said Mr Ruto.

Briefing journalists in Meru town, the Eldoret North MP said he was striving to ensure that he got support from the entire country.

“The fact that two civic leaders were recently re-elected on a UDM (United Democratic Movement) ticket in Meru County speaks volumes. I am proud to be associated with the Meru region,” he said.

Energy minister Kiraitu Murungi and Agriculture assistant minister Kareke Mbiuki warned members of the so-called G7 alliance against running for the presidency separately, saying they would lose to an ODM candidate.

PNU alliance

They said those seeking the PNU alliance ticket should not consider the run-off as the point where they should support one of their own.

“In 1997, we had planted Ms Charity Ngilu to ensure Moi did not get the Eastern vote, Mr Raila Odinga to protect the Nyanza vote, President Kibaki to shield the Nairobi and Central vote and Mr Wamalwa Kijana for the Western vote.

“We thought we would win after ensuring Moi did not win in those provinces but we lost miserably,” said Mr Murungi.