Deputy President William Ruto might appear to think he can do without getting the support of his boss Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022, but can he really?
Ruto is working on a dead end strategy with claims that it’s going to vanquish both the President and his newfound soulmates by decisively beating Uhuru even in his own Mt Kenya backyard. One might laugh.
UhuRuto was powered into leadership largely through the majoritarian vote basket of the Kikuyu and the Kalenjin, and without one, it is a failing deal.
This means their acrimonious divorce – a long time coming – that clearly played out at the weekend could deal Ruto a staggering blow.
On Sunday, a pretentiously confident Ruto told off the President for suggesting it’s time for other tribes to lead and dared him and the handshake team to a political duel.
“We are ready and we know leadership comes from God and the people. Let’s meet at the ballot,” he declared.
But Mt Kenya can’t defy Uhuru and vote for Ruto against the President’s wishes.
In 2010, powerful minister John Michuki declared Uhuru the undisputed kingpin of the Agikuyu people.
He said, “Anyone who wants to talk to the Agikuyu should speak with Uhuru.”
Kikuyu Council of Elders chairman Wachira Kiago said people from Mt Kenya region will be waiting for Uhuru’s direction on the path they should take politically.
“Every region has its leader and in Mt Kenya, it is Uhuru. The silent majority are waiting for their leader to speak,” he told the Star.
KCE secretary general Peter Munga said Ruto would not go anywhere in Mt Kenya region without the President.
“He is about to be dismantled this time around,” Munga told our news desk.
Mt Kenya is known to be politically united and can never shift alliances over a hustler narrative. Dp Ruto needs to go back to the drawing board.
