I’ve Uhuru backing for 2022, says William Ruto
Deputy President William Ruto chats with Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana during the launch of National Youth Week in Makueni on August 6, 2018. PHOTO| CHARLES KIMANI | DPPS
What you need to know:
Mr Ruto quelled fears of a falling-out with the President and divisions in Jubilee Party.
In Mathira on Thursday, leaders said the disunity and fighting reported in Jubilee were a creation of the media.
Mr Ruto downplayed claims he was not concerned about President Kenyatta’s legacy insisting that the Big Four Agenda was at the top of his priority.
Deputy President William Ruto has told a section of Mt Kenya leaders that President Uhuru Kenyatta will personally lead his 2022 campaigns.
Mr Ruto sought to allay fears that he was at odds with the Head of State.
During a three-hour indoor meeting he held with Nyeri leaders at Fairmont Hotel in Nanyuki, Mr Ruto said President Kenyatta supports his ambition to lead the country in 2022 and the handshake between the Head of State and opposition leader Raila Odinga has not changed their political vision.
According to two MCAs who attended the talks on Saturday night, Mr Ruto quelled fears of a falling-out with the President and divisions in Jubilee Party.
CAMPAIGN
“When campaigns start, the President will personally pick the microphone and traverse the country campaigning for me. On the election date, I am also assured of his vote,” Mr Ruto said, according to an MCA who declined to be named over fears of reprisal from the party. The MCAs received an invitation to the meeting from the Deputy Speaker Samuel Kariuki.
Those in attendance included Governor Mutahi Kahiga, five MPs and 41 ward representatives. Nyeri MP Ngunjiri Wambugu snubbed the meeting on grounds that he did not receive an invitation.
Lawmakers present included Kanini Kega (Kieni), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira), Gichuki Mugambi (Othaya), Gichuhi Mwangi (Tetu) and Anthony Kiai (Mukurwei-ni).
Mr Gachagua admitted that he was in charge of sending out invitations to his fellow MPs, but refuted claims that the DP’s agenda was political.
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
The Mathira MP insisted that the DP discussed development projects in the county including the completion of the Karatina open air market that has been under construction since 2010.
But according to Mr Wambugu, the meeting was meant to buy out leaders and discuss the Nyeri Town MP’s defiant behaviour. “The meeting was not important given that I was not invited. Even if had received an invitation. I would not have attended,” he said.
This is the second time the controversial lawmaker has skipped a meeting called by the DP. Mr Wambugu has been denounced by a section of MPs over his remarks that Mr Ruto is not guaranteed Mt Kenya votes in the 2022 elections.
BIG FOUR AGENDA
“I have nothing personal against the DP. I only have a problem with him because it seems he does not support the President’s main agenda,” he claimed.
But in the meeting with leaders in Nanyuki, Mr Ruto downplayed claims he was not concerned about President Kenyatta’s legacy insisting that the Big Four Agenda was at the top of his priority.
Mr Wambugu also differed with the DP and other leaders, who have denied there are divisions in the party. The Nyeri Town MP cited opposition against the Building Bridges Initiative and the fight against corruption.
During two separate fund raising ceremonies in Mathira on Thursday, leaders said the disunity and fighting reported in Jubilee were a creation of the media.
