Ruto defends Kabogo's claim of no support for top seat quest

Deputy President William Ruto on Saturday defended Kiambu Governor William Kabogo over remarks he made about his 2022 presidential bid that cast doubt on Jubilee’s support for the DP among his supporters.

Mr Kabogo remarked that Mr Ruto would not get automatic support from the Mount Kenya region to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta - who plans to run and win in 2017.

But Mr Ruto on Saturday justified the Governor's sentiments saying it should not worry his supporters since it is true he has to fight for the 2022 Jubilee presidential ticket, despite the URP-The National Alliance parties' agreement.

“I am surprised that Kabogo is being reprimanded, what did he say that was wrong? He only meant that I must walk in all corners of the country and look for those votes, there is nothing wrong with that,” Mr Ruto said.

"There is much more that unites us than divides."

The two shared a podium at Mau Secondary School in Kuresoi North constituency, Nakuru County, where the DP had gone to issue title deeds.

Mr Kabogo said he meant no malice in his remarks adding that Mr Ruto is assured of presidency in 2022. “In 2022, hustler will be number one. If you have any doubt, please remove it from your mind,” he said.

The Kiambu Governor was quoted by a local daily as having said: “Even if we promised someone a seat, we will have to sit down and talk. We will not just give away the seat like that. If you think because we agreed it will go like that, we have the votes and therefore have to be respected.”

Also, Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter described the county chief as one of Mr Ruto’s closest friends.

“He can even be counted among the DP’s top 10 friends. He even campaigned for him and there is no problem, we will work together,” the CS said.

Mr Kabogo added that Mr Ruto was among a group of about seven people who participated in talks in 2012 to discuss issues regarding the Kikuyu and Kalenjin communities, after which the latter agreed to support Mr Uhuru Kenyatta to run for presidency.

The Kiambu governor emphasised that the two communities will remain together for the sake of unity and development of the country.

"We are bonded together at the hip. We will stay together and we shall be in government for a long time."

He further indicated that Mr Ruto’s support does not come just from the two communities but across the country. "It is not just the Kikuyus who will support Ruto but a majority of Kenyans."