Focus on 2017 victory, not my 2022 bid, Ruto tells Jubilee MPs

Deputy President William Ruto has called on Jubilee supporters to focus on President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election bid instead of his 2022 presidential bid.

Speaking at a church function in Zimmerman, Nairobi, Ruto said that all focus and energy should be channeled towards ensuring President Kenyatta wins the 2017 election with more than 70 per cent, and not discussions over his future political ambitions.

“The important thing for us is to win the 2017 election. It is not you who owes me a debt. It is all of us Kenyans who owe each other the debt of friendship, unity and brotherhood,” said the Deputy President.

“Let’s concentrate on winning the 2017 elections: leave 2022 God will decide,” he added.

In the past months, debate about the future of Jubilee after President Uhuru’s tenure has been rife with DP Ruto, who declared interest in 2017 presidential elections, at the heart of it

A section of leaders from Central region have however expressed their disapproval of Ruto’s candidature, saying he should work hard to earn Mount Kenya support.

Nominated Senator Paul Njoroge is one of the legislators who has openly questioned Ruto’s interests, saying the Mount Kenya region would not blindly support his candidature.

Kiambu Governor William Kabogo has also challenged Ruto to seek support from the region, warning him against expecting automatic support.

William Ruto was responding to calls by a section of MPs, led by nominated MP Isaac Mwaura, that they are focused on ensuring he wins the next presidential election.

“We understand you because you are a hustler and have come a long way. With your win, Kenyans will know that one does not have to be a son of a famous politician to win the presidential election,” he said.

Ruto, in his address, also sought to drum up support for Jubilee Party saying they are focused on changing Kenyan politics.

He said he and President Kenyatta called for a merger of all affiliate parties under Jubilee Coalition into one party because they wanted to unify the country.

“We have decided that as Jubilee government we will set standards on how we conduct politics in Kenya. We do not want politics that focuses on people’s ethnic orientation, geographical background and education level but one that focuses on development,” he said.

Nairobi Women Representative Rachel Shebesh said that Jubilee should be ready to welcome people from other regions, including Western and Ukambani to consolidate support ahead of the 2017 General Election.

She lauded the decision by the National Governing Council to support a proposal to have IEBC hold the party’s nomination saying the move will make the process fair and transparent.