Its too early to debate 2022 succession, DP Ruto to Jubilee leaders

Deputy President William Ruto has said the 2022 General Elections discussions are premature, adding that Jubilee will deal with that when time is right.

The Deputy President was speaking at Kipkeikei Boys High School in Cherengany, Trans Nzoia County where he met students and locals as he launched facilities for the school.

“I want to ask all those who are introducing unnecessary debates about 2022 to stop. The contest that is present in the arena is the 2017 race,” he said.

“I want to ask all leaders in Jubilee to focus their attention and energy on 2017, and how we are going to get Uhuru Kenyatta and Jubilee reelected so that we can ensure we complete our transformation program,” he added.

Ruto said Jubilee was ready for the General Election, unlike their opponents who are yet to settle on a candidate and a party.

“As Jubilee we have organized ourselves and we know who we are going to vote for. We know our political party and we have a firm manifesto and program to take this country forward,” he said.

Ruto’s statement comes amid growing dissent within Jubilee that has seen some leaders express their ambitions to rival Ruto for the presidential seat in 2022, with others opposing the DP’s bid.

Nominated Senator Paul Njoroge recently elicited sharp criticism after he cautioned the Deputy President against expecting support from the Mount Kenya region in the 2022 elections.

On Tuesday, State House moved to calm the growing storm over Deputy President William Ruto’s 2022 presidential bid.

In a statement to newsrooms, State House Senior Director of Public Communications Munyori Buku said that President Uhuru Kenyatta has been categorical that Jubilee would back Ruto in 2022 presidential elections in a plan to extend the party’s reign to 20 years.

Munyori stated that President Kenyatta and DP Ruto have a plan to transform the country through mega infrastructure, energy generation and distribution, quality education, modernizing agriculture and industrialization in an extensive 20-year program.