State House moves to calm storm over DP Ruto’s presidential bid

State House has 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, modernising agriculture and industrialisation in an extensive 20-year program.

“First, the President has explained that 10 years of his own term are not long enough to implement the grand plan Jubilee has for Kenya and has pointed out this super plan needs about 20 years to implement,” said Munyori.

“The DP has been a key part of that agenda. It is, therefore, crucial that he be the one to take the agenda forward.”

State House further noted that DP Ruto’s ticket on Jubilee Party is good for the country as it will help foster unity among different communities.

“Those haranguing the country over the 2022 election are wasting their time. The reaction of Jubilee supporters and many other Kenyans has been absolutely clear in their support for the Deputy President.”

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

On Sunday, nominated Senator Paul Njoroge elicited sharp criticism after he cautioned the deputy president against expecting the support of Mt Kenya region in the 2022 elections.

Njoroge’s remarks border close to similar utterances made by Kiambu Governor William Kabogo.

Kabogo had urged Ruto to prepare adequately for the 2022 race saying he will have to toil for votes from the region.

Other leaders from the region who have expressed interest in the seat include Meru Governor Peter Munya.

Despite the isolated disapproval, Ruto has remained adamant that he will run for top office in 2022 saying he is ready to work closely with leaders from Mt Kenya and other parts of the country to realize his ambition.

@benjaminwafula